“Over the years, the German government has supported the Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in terms of capacity building for policy making and improving sustainable rural development,” Minister Ekonomi said.

In her remarks, Minister Ekonomi attached great importance to the activities with special focus on strengthening the capacities of the Albanian administration; improving value chain products; increasing exports according to the government’s vision, strengthening the role of women in rural areas, youth, developing innovation and digitalization in agriculture in line with EU policy for sustainable development.

The agricultural sector is among the sectors with the largest contribution to Gross Domestic Product, accounting for about 20% of GDP. In 2013, in Albania have been cultivated about 125 thousand ha of land compared to 250 thousand ha of land nowadays.

Albanian agricultural exports have increased from about $ 100 million to $ 400 million, while it is projected to reach over $ 1 billion over the next four years. //a.i/