Likewise, according to data provided from the National Business Center (NBC), as of July 2026, Albania is home to 19,370 companies with foreign or joint capital. This total includes 16,093 businesses with 100% foreign ownership and 3,277 joint ventures.

Tirana hosts the vast majority of foreign and joint-venture companies in Albania, accounting for 66.2% of the national total with 12,814 active businesses.

After Tirana, it is ranked Durrës with 13.4% and Vlora with 7.8%.

In terms of foreign capital, Italian companies have the largest presence in Albania, followed by businesses from Kosovo, Turkey, Greece, and the United States.

Foreign or joint-venture companies operate across many industries, led by services at 41.1% and wholesale and retail trade at 26%.

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In a social media post, Rama said the private land earmarked for the project has been acquired through certified banking transactions and that the investors are international entrepreneurs linked to Power Holding, a conglomerate with operations in several countries.

Rama said the project had attracted criticism from “enemies of a European Albania, competitors of Albania’s tourism industry and others opposed to the development.”

He said the Qatari investors behind the project, whom he described as co-owners of Power Holding, had a track record of developing projects in harmony with the natural environment and argued that the investment would enhance rather than damage the area.

The government head encouraged the public to learn more about the company’s activities, saying the project would contribute to Albania’s economic growth and tourism sector.

Rama added that major development projects had often faced opposition in the past, citing resistance to the construction of Tirana’s National Arena stadium, which later hosted a European football final.

“Those who do not want to listen or understand will have to wait, just as those who opposed the national stadium did before seeing a European final played in Tirana,” Rama said.

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“Seoul, South Korea — In discussions with leading South Korean corporations—specifically LG Group, Kia Corporation and Lotte Group”, Rama wrote in the social media while attaching photos from these meetings.

The discussions with leading South Korean executives focused on expanding bilateral economic ties and presenting Albania’s emerging investment landscape.

PM Rama’s visit to South Korea aims to expand our strategic partnership in technology, innovation and development. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

Prosecutors said preliminary investigations indicate the companies used fictitious invoices to avoid tax liabilities.

According to the prosecution, the entities are suspected of being part of an organised scheme involving the issuance and use of invoices for works and services that were never actually carried out, with the aim of unlawfully reclaiming VAT and reducing tax liabilities.

As a result, authorities ordered the immediate seizure and blocking of bank accounts held in second-tier banks to prevent any movement of funds, while investigations continue to fully identify those involved.

Prosecutors said the total value of the suspected transactions exceeds 73 million lek, with potential damage to the state budget linked to undeclared income and unpaid taxes.

The investigation is ongoing for “Creation of fraudulent VAT schemes” and “Concealment of income,” with authorities not ruling out further procedural measures.

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The Albanian Investment and Development Agency (AIDA) said that Albania’s participation in BIOFACH is of strategic significance for the country, highlighting the quality of organic products “Made in Albania” and creating concrete opportunities for expanding international markets.

AIDA emphasized that this activity is part of the national strategy for the development of organic businesses and the promotion of “Made in Albania” exports, directly contributing to increasing the country’s competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

Albanian agricultural products are currently exported to around 85 international markets, including European Union countries, the USA, Switzerland, the Middle East and several Asian countries.

The main products are: fresh fruits and vegetables (pomegranates, apples, citrus, tomatoes, peppers); processed products (canned goods, jams, fruit juices); olive oil; wine and traditional drinks; organic and “bio” products, which are being constantly on the demand in the international markets.

During the last 2–3 years, Albanian agricultural exports have recorded a steady growth of over 10–15% per year, thanks to the modernization of the sector, international certifications and the improvement of hygiene and sanitary standards. The use of the “Made in Albania” brand is an important step. To increase the value of the product, Albania is investing in branding and organic certification, highlighting the quality and food safety of the products. /a.f/p.s./

Attending the meeting was French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard, who highlighted the very good bilateral relations and the potential for further cooperation in railway infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Edona Bilali emphasized the French expertise in this sector and the readiness to promote cooperation and exchange best practices.

During a workshop organized by AIDA, the participants highlighted opportunities for cooperation and exchange of experiences between Albania and France, as well as major railway projects under development, such as the Tirana-Durres line and the Adriatic-Ionian corridor.

There were also discussed opportunities for strengthening partnerships and advancing regional projects, including cooperation with Montenegro and Kosovo.

Albania is seeking to increase investment and modernize its rail transport sector, with a focus on projects that will improve regional connections and infrastructure within the country. /a.f/r.e/p.s./

UN Agency ITC Project Manager Genti Beqiri announced that this fair represents an exceptional showcase for the promotion of Albanian products in international markets.

“The participation of Albanian companies is made possible thanks to the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), as part of efforts to promote exports, increase competitiveness and support the internationalization of Albanian small and medium-sized enterprises”, said Beqiri.

According to him, the participating companies represent sectors with high export potential, including olive oil, medicinal and aromatic plants and essential oils.

During the fair, they will present the quality, authenticity and standards of Albanian products to an international audience consisting of importers, distributors, wholesale buyers and food industry professionals from over 190 countries.

“Participating in Gulfood 2026 opens doors for Albanian companies for B2B meetings, creating new trade partnerships and exploring high-potential markets, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa,” Beqiri added.

At the same time, it contributes to improving the image of the “Made in Albania” brand, positioning Albania as a country with authentic, quality and competitive products on the global stage.

“This participation is expected to serve as an important driver for the growth of Albanian exports, the expansion of trade networks and the sustainable growth of the presence of Albanian products in international markets,” said Beqiri. /j.p/p.s./

The Italian diplomat underlined that support for small and medium-sized enterprises will continue, attracting major firms is equally essential.

“It’s not true that only small companies can operate in small markets,” Alberti said. “We will support these sectors and work with Albanian authorities to make the business climate more attractive.”

Using a metaphor, he added: “It’s easier to attract butterflies if you’ve already cultivated a healthy garden—and that’s what we’re doing, preparing the soil.”

On Albania’s EU integration, Alberti praised the country’s pace of reforms and said that with negotiations already underway, the country is closer than ever to full EU membership.

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Defence Minister announced that negotiations are already underway with five international companies to invest in ammunition, combat drones, military uniforms and armoured vehicles.

He noted that concrete steps have been made as part of the government plans to revive Albania’s dormant defence industry after relevant legislation was approved last year.

“Two entities have been created under this legal package; one is the first state company KAYO for production and trade of weapons, ammunition, equipment and military technologies. He said that state-owned weapon and military technology manufacturing company has regrouped the entire communist-era military industry, the factories in Poliçan, Gramsh and Mjekes, as well as other army assets and installation.

According to him, some 21 foreign companies have expressed interest in investing in production of ammunition, uniforms, combat drones and armoured vehicles.

“Negotiations are underway with five of these companies and good news will be announced soon regarding revival of the manufacturing activities,” he said.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama posted Sunday images of the new fleet of trucks and other vehicles supplied to the regional  water supply and sewerage entities to deliver real-time response to any emergencies or outages of water supply and sewage systems.

“New fleet for the Regional Water Supply and Sewerage Association to deliver real-time response to any issue,” PM Rama said.

The new vehicles will be used to improve maintenance of the water supply and sewerage systems, and he fleet also features water cleaning and supply inspection equipment, as well as trucks to deliver aid in emergencies.

The investment is designed to enhance public service capacities and improve preparedness and response to any emergencies, ensuring effective service delivery to the citizens.

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