Speaking at the International Conference on Life Sciences and Agriculture marking UBT’s 74th anniversary, Zach said the partnership reflected Albania’s ambition to play an active role in the European research and innovation area.

She said a 2024 memorandum between the Austrian and Albanian governments had laid the groundwork for a long-term academic partnership, adding that “more than 20 BOKU professors have helped reform curricula and improve the quality of education at UBT.”

Austria  – she added – remained committed to supporting innovation, education and sustainable development in Albania as part of the country’s European integration efforts.

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During the meeting, Zach was familiarized with the cooperation project between Tirana Agricultural University and Vienna’s University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences or BOKU.

Tirana Agricultural University has embarked on implementation of the most profound reform ever implemented in a public university in the country designed to change the current architecture of teaching and scientific research programs.

Tirana Agricultural University will be transformed to meet the standards of Vienna’s University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences by reforming the academic offer scientific research, knowhow and technology transfer, the digitization of the process of teaching, learning and research.

Ambassador Zach expressed readiness to provide Austrian government assistance for the reform, seen as one of the most important projects being implemented by the Austrian government in Albania.

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The meeting focused on joint justice projects and Austria’s assistance aimed at advancing reforms in Albania.

Justice Minister Manja said that efforts to enhance cooperation will continue.

“Together with Austrian Ambassador Zach we will go on with efforts to boost cooperation and build a more efficient and equal justice system for all citizens,” Manja said in a post on the social media.

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Shkoder Mayor said that he and his interlocutors discussed traditional historic ties between Austria and the north-western Albanian city of Shkoder Beci over the centuries.

“Together we discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in various areas, highlighting importance of stronger relations between our two countries,” Beci said.

Albania-Austria economic ties have significantly increased over the last few years, with banking and insurance systems leading Austrian investments in Albania. Around 70% of Albania’s insurance sector is dominated by Austrian companies.

With the ASHTA hydropower station already operational in northern Albania, Austria has its share also in the country’s energy sector.

Austria ranks fifth largest foreign investor in Albania with a total of investments worth 554 million euros.

A total of 100 enterprises with Austrian capital and joint capital operate in Albania, as economic ties between Albania and Austria have significantly intensified in the past few years.

Austrian investments in Albania are largely focused on the country’s financial sector, primarily on insurance sector and construction industry.

In the meantime, the number of Austrian tourists visiting Albania each year is increasing steadily.

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During the meeting, Gonxhja and Zach discussed ways to deepen Albania-Austria economic and cultural relations.

“I was delighted to host Monika Zach, the Ambassador of Austria to Albania, who has been appointed to a new important assignment recently, together with the Deputy Chief of Mission Martin Schaller, to discuss excellent relations between our countries,” Gonxhja said.

He noted that talks focused on ways to boost economic interactions and enhance cultural exchanges between the two countries.

“We praised cultural cooperation that has become a strong bridge of friendship and development. Albania progresses on its path towards EU membership and cooperation with our strategic partners like Austria is key to delivering on this goal,” he stated.

Gonxhja outlined the vision of the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, highlighting new public asset management policies, concentrated procurement and regulatory reforms on investments and development projects, social security, market economy, as well as innovation strategies, and the vocational education efforts.

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“We talked about increasing economic cooperation and further development of trade exchange in agriculture, integration processes and orientation towards rural tourism,” Krifca said.

The Minister Krifca said that, Austria presents a model of success in combining agriculture with rural tourism, a model that promotes the village and provides benefits to the inhabitants. //a.i/

In her remarks, Minister Ekonomi said that, I held a very constructive conversation with the Austrian Ambassador Christian Steiner to increase cooperation between our two countries.

“We remain determined to advance projects with the help of a friendly country like Austria, having considerable experience in public services, in setting standards and measuring their efficiency,” Minister Ekonomi added. //a.i/

The Prime Minister Kurti thanked the Ambassador for his generous assistance, provided mainly in the field of economic development.

During the meeting Kurti briefed the Austrian Ambassador on the actions taken by the Government to enable the economic revival of the country after COVID-19 pandemic.

They also discussed the areas of investment by Austrian companies in Kosovo as well as the cooperation with countries in the region.

In his remarks, Ambassador Weidinger reiterated that Austria will continue to support the Government and people of Kosovo. //a.i/