The findings are part of the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on responses from 219 representatives of public institutions, businesses and civil society.

Alongside tourism, agriculture and agro-processing, information technology and digital services, renewable energy, green infrastructure, construction and light manufacturing were identified as sectors with significant potential to drive employment and economic development.

In tourism, the development of agritourism, cultural and historical tourism, and adventure tourism could help extend the season and create more jobs across the country, the report said.

Agriculture and agro-processing also offer opportunities to expand value-added activities, processing, exports, storage and packaging, creating new prospects for employment and economic development outside major urban centres.

Information technology and digital services were likewise identified as promising areas for skilled employment and export-oriented growth.

Agriculture and food security ranked highest among development priorities, selected by 49% of respondents, followed by education at 47%. Healthcare was selected by 36%, jobs by 34%, and digital infrastructure by 32%.

The findings highlight the potential for Albania’s economy to generate more employment through the development of higher-value sectors, investment, digitalisation and diversification of tourism.

The World Bank has made job creation, strengthening human capital and sustainable growth key priorities in its strategy for supporting Albania.

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Speaking in his weekly review of government developments on Sunday, Rama said the partnership has also been extended to the “Pavarësia” Industrial School in Vlora to help prepare the workforce required for the new facility.

The shipyard is expected to employ technicians, engineers and IT specialists. Rama said training for selected candidates will begin alongside construction of the project, with participants receiving instruction both in Pashaliman and at Fincantieri’s shipyards in Italy.

“We have entered a new chapter in the history of our Armed Forces,” Rama said, adding that the initiative would support both the modernisation of Albania’s defence capabilities and the development of a skilled workforce.

The project is part of wider efforts to expand domestic defence production and create new opportunities in high-value industrial sectors.

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The agreement aims to support Albanian SMEs through financing for innovation, digitalisation, technology and green investments.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rama pledged government’s continued support for entrepreneurs and small businesses that place their trust in free enterprise.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises are our most important partners in creating jobs to support families and, of course, in creating space for young people to grow,” Rama said.

He said the agreement was intended to support a broader government programme aimed at doubling the number of SMEs in Albania.

“What makes the involvement of the European Investment Bank together with Intesa Sanpaolo important is not simply the value of the funding,” Rama said. “It is the opportunity to make the most of the experience they have built over many years in supporting member states.”

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