The agreement was signed by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and university rector Elvora Fetahu.

Salla said the partnership would create new opportunities for student internships, scientific research, farmer training and advisory services, while incorporating academic expertise into agricultural policymaking, the promotion of Albanian products and the development of agritourism.

The cooperation aims to turn academic knowledge into practical solutions, creating opportunities for young people and farmers while supporting sustainable rural development, he said.

The agreement seeks to strengthen ties between public institutions and universities by applying scientific knowledge, professional training and academic expertise to agricultural development. It is also expected to promote innovation in the sector and create new opportunities for sustainable growth in rural areas.

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Speaking in the coastal city of Vlora during a meeting with tourism operators, Rama said the joint project would involve the construction of naval vessels of various sizes and position Albania as a potential exporter in the sector.

“We have signed a very large contract with Fincantieri for the Pashaliman shipyard and will begin producing military vessels of different dimensions,” Rama said. “This will be a major joint investment with our Italian partners and will enable us not only to meet our own needs but also to export military vessels.”

He said the investment is expected to generate economic benefits locally, including increased employment and demand for services.

Rama also highlighted broader development projects in Vlora and along Albania’s coastline, saying they would contribute to economic growth and rising tourist numbers.

He pointed to ongoing and planned marina developments in Vlora, Durres and Shengjin as key drivers of tourism, particularly in attracting high-spending visitors arriving by yacht.

“We need more marinas. They will serve as important engines of the local economy,” Rama said, adding that the Vlora marina alone is expected to host thousands of visitors, including off-season yacht tourists.

The prime minister also reiterated that Albania offers a safe environment for residents and investors, comparing the country’s potential to established Mediterranean destinations.

He defended policies such as tax-free fuel for yachts, arguing that their economic contribution outweighs environmental costs compared with road transport.

The Pashaliman project marks one of the most significant industrial partnerships announced in recent years, combining defence manufacturing with broader economic development goals in the coastal region.

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Speaking at a news conference, Vengu said talks with Fincantieri had been finalised after more than 18 months of negotiations, describing the deal as an achievement for Albania’s naval force and for state-owned defense company KAYO, which took part in the discussions.

The agreement was signed on Nov. 14, 2025, during an Italy-Albania intergovernmental meeting in Rome by Fincantieri Chief Executive Pierroberto Folgiero and KAYO Chief Executive Ardi Veliu.

Under the terms outlined by the Italian company, the partnership will act as prime contractor for shipbuilding and maintenance contracts for the Albanian market.

For projects destined for export markets, the cooperation may build vessels of up to 80 metres in length and with a displacement of up to 800 tonnes. In such cases, Fincantieri would serve as prime contractor, subcontracting construction to the joint venture.

As part of the partnership, KAYO will make available the Pashaliman shipyard in Vlora and invest in modernising its infrastructure, while Fincantieri will support upgrades to production processes by providing operational expertise, training and engineering know-how, as well as material packages, consolidating its role as the lead technology partner.

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The agreement, signed on Wednesday by QKK Chairman Jonid Jorgji and University Rector Erald Bakalli, includes practical student involvement in areas such as acting, directing, set design, and other film disciplines during the shooting and production of projects funded by the Albanian film body.

“The deal marks a concrete first step in empowering young talent, giving them the opportunity to graduate with a professional portfolio and projects suitable for launching their careers,” QKK said, adding that further agreements with the university are planned for programs aligned with the industry’s real needs.

An information session was also held for students on QKK’s education program, scholarships, professional opportunities, and the UK Chevening Scholarship program.

Jorgji emphasized the need to develop Albania’s film industry beyond a niche sector and proposed viewing cinematography not only as an art form but also as an economic activity.

QKK and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports aim not only to finance productions but also to build a film industry ecosystem linking cinema to the creative economy, tourism, and the country’s international image.

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The agreement will establish a new cooperation framework enabling the start and operation of direct flights between Albania and Canada, aiming to strengthen economic, tourism and social ties, the government said.

The decision enters into force immediately.

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Ibrahimaj emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to resolving the dispute in full compliance with the law.

The strike began in early October after workers from “TETE Albania Tunnel & Mining” walked off the job in support of a dismissed colleague. This escalated into a full strike involving around 40 miners.

Economy Minister noted that the strike took place before the conclusion of mandatory mediation, as required by the Labor Code. She confirmed the Ministry had organized several mediation meetings, including one with KSSH on November 4, and stressed there were no violations of union rights at this stage.

Ibrahimaj also stated that the State Inspectorate of Labor found the dispute was related to disagreements over union representation and strike procedures. Despite the strike, the company reported that some workers had requested to return to work, with training sessions starting on November 14 and 17.

Ibrahimaj assured that the Ministry continues to work on a legal resolution to the situation.

Opposition MP Jorida Tabaku criticized the layoffs, claiming they violated labor laws and the Constitution, and called for immediate resolution in line with international workers’ rights standards.

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Rama made the remarks at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the first joint session between the Albanian and Italian governments, during which the two sides signed 16 agreements.

Referring to Albania’s EU accession process, the government head said it would be “the cherry on the cake” if the country wraps up technical negotiations by 2028, when Italy is set to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“It would be the cherry on the cake if, in 2028, when Italy holds the EU Council presidency and Giorgia (Meloni) serves both as Italy’s Prime Minister and as President of the European Council, we could complete the technical talks and begin the political negotiations. Having Giorgia responsible for that process would mean we are in the best possible hands to open that door,” Rama said.

PM Rama underlined that Albania is ready to make a formal commitment not to use its veto power once it becomes an EU member.

“We are ready to sign an agreement with the EU under which we would not use our veto or even our vote, since we are fanatical believers in European values and have no intention of blocking anything,” Rama said.

“That would mean we could be represented by an Italian European commissioner. It would be like having two commissioners for the same country, because we are, in a way, the same country,” he added.

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The deal seeks to enhance institutional collaboration and promote the exchange of expertise between the two countries.

The agreement was signed during a business forum in Tirana attended by Turkish Ambassador Tayyar Kagan Atay and around 50 Turkish entrepreneurs.

Ali Çandır, head of the Antalya Chamber, said Turkish investors are ready to invest in Albania’s agricultural sector and expressed interest in importing dairy and meat products.

He encouraged Albanian businesses to explore export opportunities in the Turkish market.

B2B meetings followed the signing ceremony, with both sides highlighting untapped potential in economic cooperation.

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Speaking in an exclusive interview for Greek news website enikos.gr, hinted that a DP-led government after the parliamentary elections in Albania may not renew the agreement on migrants management with Italy.

“DP has opposed the deal. However, given that it has been already upheld by the Constitutional Court, we will honor the existing five-year contract,” Berisha told Greek media.

Berisha also commented on Albania’s relations with Greece, pledging to revisit the maritime agreement with the neighbouring country, if elected.

He stated that his government would restart talks with Greece to find a solution to the maritime border accord between the two countries.

Speaking about ties with Türkiye, Berisha said that “Albania’s relations with the country will different from the existing Rama-Erdogan relation.”

However, he underlined that Türkiye is one of Albania’s closest and major partners.

“Albania-Türkiye can in no way harm a third party. On the contrary, Albania will maintain very good relations with its neighbors, with Greece and other countries, but of course relations with Türkiye will be normal relations. I cannot say that they will have the character of Rama-Erdogan relations,” he said.

The DP leader also commented on the property rights of the Greek minority in the southern Albanian municipality and the country’s Greek minority rights in general.

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The government head is attending the annual Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which brings together global leaders to address key global and regional challenges.

Along with global leaders, Rama is engaging in several roundtable discussions and panel sessions, aimed at fostering a spirit of collaboration and constructive optimism to shape the next era of intelligent development in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Earlier today, PM Rama also met with Christine Grahn, the Head of Government Relations and Public Policy for Europe at TikTok.

During the meeting with Grahn, PM Rama outlined the reasons that led to the decision to temporarily ban access to the platform from Albania.

The government head also said that the meeting explored possible solutions for the company to address these concerns.

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