TIRANA, Sept 23 /ATA/ Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi took part in the Global Forum on Sustainable Transport, one of the world’s largest transport events, held in China. In his address, Karakaçi underlined the importance of global interstate cooperation in the field of transport.
Karakaçi stressed that although Albania is a small country, it represents a strategic hub on two European corridors — Corridor VIII and the Adriatic‑Ionian Corridor. On Corridor VIII, he noted that the tender for the Durrës–Rrogozhinë railway is nearing completion, with the winner expected to be announced in November.
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said work is progressing on expanding the Elbasan–Qafë Thanë corridor, noting that the first sections of the Elbasan bypass have already been contracted and construction has begun. On the Adriatic‑Ionian Corridor, he added that the tender for the Vorë–Hani i Hotit railway is in its final stage.
Karakaçi said the investment, worth around €360 million, is expected to begin construction in early 2027. On the Adriatic‑Ionian motorway, he noted that work is under way on the engineering study for the most challenging section, Murriqan–Balldren, prepared with EU grant funding and due to be submitted to the ministry in January 2027.
Infrastructure and Energy Minister said work is advancing on finalising the contract and technical design for the Milot–Balldren motorway. He acknowledged recent uncertainties surrounding the project and pledged full transparency, announcing that all related documents will be published on the Besa platform, Flamingo Mirror, enabling anyone interested to conduct their own checks.
Minister Karakaçi announced that today he will meet academic staff at the Shanghai Institute of Technology, initiating a research cooperation in the field of water supply and sewerage with this global centre of excellence.
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