Chinese Ambassador to Albania Pang Chunxue used the event to highlight China’s economic and technological development and the strengthening of bilateral ties with Albania.

In her remarks at the event, she said 2026 marked the start of China’s 15th five-year plan for economic and social development, amid what she described as an increasingly complex and challenging domestic and international environment.

“During the first half of this year, China’s gross domestic product grew by 4.7%, an increase of nearly 500 billion dollars, the largest growth recorded in the past five years compared with the same period last year,” Ambassador Pang Chunxue said.

According to her, China’s economy had effectively weathered external shocks and domestic difficulties while maintaining steady growth, with new momentum driven by structural changes, innovation and technology.

Pang Chunxue also highlighted China’s performance in scientific and technological innovation, saying the country had entered the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index for the first time.

“For three consecutive years, China has ranked first in the world in the number of the world’s top 100 science and technology innovation clusters,” she said.

The Chinese diplomat described these developments as part of China’s broader economic transformation and modernization, with a growing focus on innovation, technology and new drivers of growth.

The Chinese Ambassador also praised the development of bilateral relations and growing economic cooperation with Albania. Trade between the two countries was valued at around 1.6 billion euros in 2025, up about 21% year-on-year, she said, adding that China remained Albania’s second-largest trading partner.

She said bilateral relations had gained fresh momentum this year, citing regular exchanges between the countries’ leaders and reciprocal visits by legislative officials.

Ambassador Pang Chunxue also highlighted growing demand in China for Albanian agricultural and food products, including wine and honey, as well as increased participation by Albanian businesses in the China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair.

She said the number of Chinese tourists visiting Albania was also rising.

China would continue promoting high-quality development and opening its economy to international markets while expanding trade and economic cooperation with partners, including Albania, Pang Chunxue said.

“China is not only the factory of the world, but also the market of the world,” she said, adding that the Chinese market continued to offer opportunities for products from countries around the globe.

Against this backdrop, the Chinese Ambassador said China is ready to share development opportunities with its partners, including Albania, and to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

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