Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and partner countries.

The meeting focused on Albania’s potential for sustainable growth, specifically in clean energy, waste and water management, eco-tourism, and natural area conservation.

The meeting focused on Albania’s potential for developing sustainable projects, particularly in the fields of clean energy, waste and water management, sustainable tourism and the development of areas with natural value.

Jaupaj emphasized the goal of transforming international investor interest into concrete projects that bring capital, technology and expertise, while ensuring environmental standards and the protection of natural resources.

“Albania is building a model where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand,” the minister stated.

According to Jaupaj, the meeting marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Albanian institutions and the international private sector, as well as in creating opportunities for new investments in sectors that impact the country’s sustainable development. /e.xh/r.e/p.s./

The strategy identifies the diaspora as a strategic partner, seeking to broaden its role beyond remittances to include investment, entrepreneurship, knowledge and skills transfer, and greater participation in public life.

A central pillar of the strategy is the creation of a more favourable environment for diaspora investment through tax incentives, public-private partnerships and new support mechanisms.

Under the accompanying action plan, the Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and other relevant institutions, will prepare a dedicated fiscal package for the diaspora, including tax reductions and investment incentives for priority sectors of the economy. Investments in strategic sectors would also be eligible for preferential corporate income tax rates.

The draft strategy also envisages establishing a one-stop shop for diaspora investors, providing information and assistance on business registration, permits and licences, tax procedures and other administrative services.

The document places particular emphasis on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through grant schemes for diaspora-founded startups, as well as support for business incubators and accelerators.

It also seeks to strengthen cooperation between public institutions, universities, the private sector and diaspora organisations to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technology and professional expertise.

Another key measure is the creation and regular updating of a Diaspora Register, alongside databases of Albanian professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations abroad, with the aim of building a structured cooperation network with state institutions.

Implementation of the 2026-2028 Action Plan is expected to require funding of approximately 1.85 billion leks to be financed through the state budget, international partners and other funding sources.

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Speaking at a press conference with journalists from European Union member states, Rama said public attention surrounding the project stemmed largely from Trump’s involvement through members of his family.

“I do not believe Albania’s flamingos would have generated such a stir if this were not seen as an opportunity to pursue a story connected to Donald Trump,” Rama said. “But this is not about Donald Trump.”

Rama said that “when Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump first visited Albania, it was uncertain whether Trump would end up in prison or would return to the White House.”

“For me, they were American investors asking whether they could have an opportunity in Albania, not members of Donald Trump’s family,” he said.

The Prime Minister said his government’s priority is to ensure that all investment projects were assessed on the basis of facts, transparency and their impact.

“I am the Prime Minister of Albania and I want everyone to come and invest here and to be friends of this country,” Rama said. “I do not believe Albania should become a battleground for political disputes in the United States or elsewhere.”

He said the project’s merits would ultimately be judged by its results.

“If the project delivers, it will move forward. If it does not deliver the right outcomes, it should be improved,” Rama said, adding that the development was expected to increase protected natural areas, greenery and environmental regeneration by 25%.

Rama also highlighted the involvement of internationally renowned architects in the project.

“Today, Albania is a country where some of the world’s leading architects are working on major projects,” he said.

The government head said Albania was seeking transformative investments capable of changing not only perceptions of the country but also its long-term development trajectory.

“We want beauty, we want quality, and we want projects that change this country once and for all,” Rama said. “For too long, perceptions of Albania have been shaped by stories about crime, corruption and drugs.”

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Agency director Zana Çela, who attended the fair in Berlin, told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) on Friday that together with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports of Albania, the agency presented Albania’s tourism offer under the theme “Albania, an authentic experience 365 days a year”.

The stand promoted an integrated concept positioning the country as a year-round destination, highlighting identity, innovation and sustainable development, she said.

Around 30 companies operating in tourism, business services, medical tourism and dental tourism were also represented at the Albanian stand.

“The stand attracted significant attention. Albania is clearly positioning itself on the map of emerging tourist destinations, with a strong mark of authenticity, professional capacities and a clear vision for balanced, sustainable, year-round tourism development,” Çela said.

She noted strong interest from foreign companies, reflected in several contracts signed between Albanian and international firms during the fair.

“Contracts have already been signed during the first two days of the fair and more are expected on the third day. Together we are working to put tourism firmly on the path toward sustainability, which will ensure the quality and future of the tourism industry,” she added.

Participating companies also reported optimism about partnerships secured with foreign partners for the 2027–2028 period.

A representative of a tourism resort said participation in the Berlin fair had been highly successful, with meetings held with travel agencies from around the world, particularly from Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy. Interest was also noted from Asian markets, opening the door to future cooperation.

Meanwhile, a travel agency representative said Chinese tour operators had shown particularly strong interest.

A representative from a medical tourism company said the fair offered an opportunity to build new contacts and expand cooperation in the sector.

Çela said cultural heritage had been placed at the heart of Albania’s tourism promotion at the fair.

Artists from the National Folk Songs and Dances Ensemble of Albania, along with traditional artisans, demonstrated crafts live at the Albanian stand, including the making of the Xhubleta and the Lahuta.

Albanian cuisine also drew attention as part of the country’s geographic and cultural heritage.

ITB Berlin, one of the world’s largest tourism trade fairs, marks 60 years since its launch and this year hosts more than 100,000 exhibitors alongside a large number of visitors.

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The event started its proceedings yesterday, but its agenda today carries contribution of important personalities; it brings together 600 global investors, political leaders and innovators.

At the end of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit yesterday in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced holding of this two-day event which focuses on connecting European innovation with global capital.

Rama said that it is a fantastic event, “An excellent investment forum, with a large number of very prominent investors coming from the Middle East, Europe, USA and it will be another great day for Albania and Tirana”.

Following welcoming remarks by PM Rama and French President Emmanuel Macron, other prominent global leaders are participating, including His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and influential figures from business, finance and government.

The summit will also highlight young leaders who are actively shaping the future of Europe and will launch a report by the FII Institute on the future of work, highlighting how next-generation talent will harness artificial intelligence to redefine productivity and innovation.

According to the published agenda, Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, is also set to speak at the event to discuss investment opportunities in emerging markets.

The FII Institute is a global platform dedicated to investment and innovation, bringing together visionary leaders around the world to create solutions that drive positive human impact and economic growth. /p.s./

The bond has a maturity of 10 years and is the seventh time and most successful one since 2010 that the country has borrowed from international markets.

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a post on the social media on Friday that as many as 195 investors expressed interest in issuance of Albania’s Eurobond.

“The issuance of the Eurobond shows that Albania has stable economy and that the investor confidence is extremely high,” Malaj said.

According to Finance Minister, this is Albania’s most successful Eurobond issuance since the country issued such an instrument for first time in 2010.

Eurobond’s successful issuance is attributed to several important aspects, mainly the investors’ high demand, leading to significant decline in yields down by 50 points from an initial rate of 5.5%.

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This activity aimed to create new bridges of cooperation, facilitate the investment process and promote Albania’s potential in key sectors such as tourism, energy, agriculture and technology.

During October-November, AIDA hosted round-tables with German, Italian, Turkish, Greek, French, Austrian and Hungarian companies.

In addition to representatives of the central government institutions, attending were also representatives of the Embassies of Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece, France, Austria and Hungary.

Also part of it were the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Albania (DIHA), the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Confindustria, MUSIAD, the Greek Business Association in Albania and Advantage Austria.

A total of 120 companies participated in this roundtable. For the reported matters, AIDA is following them up with priority together with the relevant institutions, until the final solution.

At the closing meeting, AIDA leaders highlighted the significance of an investment-friendly climate, presenting the latest legal reforms and support measures offered by the government. Business representatives had the opportunity to share their experiences and expectations, while practical discussions helped identify concrete solutions to the encountered challenges.

““Investors Support Days” is evidence of our commitment to support investors and promote the sustainable economic development of the country. AIDA will continue to be a reliable partner at every step of their journey,” said the agency’s executive director.

With a wide participation and increased interest in future projects, the initiative confirmed Albania’s potential as an attractive investment destination. “Investors Support Days” marks a step forward in promoting economic development and attracting new investments as well as reinvestments from foreign companies present in the country. /a.f/p.s./

During his stay in Stockholm, Foreign Minister Hasani held a fruitful discussion with “Business Sweden” and visited the company “Ericson”, discussing ways of economic cooperation in areas of renewable energy, digital transformation, tourism and infrastructure.

“Albania’s economic potential, rapid economic growth and development, as well as the immense natural resources in the face of geopolitical challenges are indicators of Albania’s incredible stability and impressive growth,” Hasani said in a post on the social media.

Foreign Minister encouraged Swedish investors to explore investment opportunities in Albania’s various promising sectors by building mutual benefiting partnership to further contribute to sustainable development and innovation.

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Gonxhja underlined that the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation finalized in record time a long-awaited process by completing due documentation and proposing the Council of Ministers a milestone decision to deliver on Albania’s first technology and scientific park.

According to him, the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC), in its capacity of public developer of “DURANA Tech Park”, with exclusive fiscal regime status and with OneStopShop facilitating administrative, will start the competitive procedure to select the Manager and the Park Users.

Located on a strategic site between Tirana and Durres on an initial area of 140,400 square meters, the DURANA Tech Park, provides incentives, financial and administrative advantages for IT companies and digital nomads.

This center, which will keep expanding, will revolutionize the technology landscape in Albania, offering a range of opportunities from software design to robotics research.

The centre is also supported by Risi Albania, an innovative project, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, SDC, and implemented by Helvetas.

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The Western Balkans Investment Summit 2024 will be held at the EBRD HQ in London brought together all top government officials from the region.

In his address, the Albanian Premier listed the reasons why investors must choose Albania for their investments.

PM Rama underlined that Albania has changed a great deal.

“Why not? Albania has changed a lot from a country stigmatized as unsafe to a country that has hosted more than 10 million tourists, almost three times higher than its own population. Albania has now diversified its energy sources. The electricity price remained unchanged during the crisis and is the lowest in the region. The country’s public debt fell to a record low of 59.2 % in 2023. The question is why serious investors should invest their money in Albania? And the answer is very simple: because someone else would do that instead of them,” he said.

Government representatives from six Western Balkan countries, the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, attended the sixth EBRD Summit on the Western Balkans.

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