During the presentation of his program, Poda stated that the lack of a direct Beijing-Tirana-Beijing flight line is one of the unfavorable reasons for both the growth of trade exchanges and the small number of Chinese tourists in our country.

Poda said that the opening of the Beijing-Tirana-Beijing direct flight line will be one of the primary challenges and objectives during his term as ambassador to China.

According to him, China is a big market with colossal commercial and tourism potential that is not properly utilized by us for various reasons.

“I believe that a direct airline connecting both countries will mark a boom in the flow of Chinese tourists to Albania and other countries in the region.

During the 3 mandates that I served in other states, this was accomplished. A direct line was established with Greece, as well as with the Czech Republic and Croatia. This has a tremendous impact on bilateral cooperation. It’s not just a wish, but it will have an impact on the increase of tourist flow from China,” said Poda.

According to him, the establishment of a direct flight line will affect the opening of the Chinese market for Albanian exports.

“This will be realized first of all through the finalization of two protocols for the export of agricultural products”, Poda added.

In this regard, Poda said that the objective of his mandate will also be the opening of Chinese market for exports of dairy products, honey and other fruit, agriculture and seafood products.

Poda emphasized that “China is Albania’s second trading partner for 2023, with an increasing trend for 2024”.

Focusing on the bilateral relations between the two countries, he emphasized that he considers the relations with China important based on the historical relations between the two countries.

Poda said that encouraging of bilateral inter-state dialogue at all levels, as well as the protection of the rights of Albanians who have activities in China, will be his other priorities.

“I will maintain elastic and balanced positions in conveying the messages of Albania’s interests in bilateral relations and at the same time of our stance as a candidate country for full membership in the EU on sensitive issues for China,” he said./p.s./