TIRANA, June 4 /ATA/ Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu stated today that the €4 billion investment in Zvërnec is not a closed or isolated project, but an opportunity that will create jobs, spur the economy, improve tourism standards, and stimulate additional chain investments across the country.

In a social media post, Koçiu highlighted tourism development models in neighboring countries and in Turkey, where tourism has become a driving force for economic growth.

“We often visit neighbouring countries and are struck by the quality of service, the strength of their tourism industry, and their economic transformation through tourism. Turkey is one of the most notable examples. This model is now present across every Mediterranean country: in Montenegro, Croatia, and Greece, as well as in any other country where tourism serves as the engine of economic development,” Koçiu said.

Koçiu underscored that Albania now has a genuine opportunity to compete on an equal footing, and that foreign investment should not be construed as a form of “occupation.”

“Certain actors, both domestically and internationally, are calling on Albania to step away from this competition at precisely the moment when we have a real opportunity to compete with dignity and, indeed, succeed,” she stated.

“It is a troubling paradox that we consistently call for higher standards in tourism and the economic benefits it brings, while simultaneously maintaining a mindset that regards foreign investment as a form of occupation,” Koçiu said.

According to her, sustainable development “does not constitute territorial abuse, a disregard for standards, or the destruction of ecosystems, as it is often portrayed in public discourse, and as has unfortunately occurred during the years of transition.”

She further emphasized that genuine development lies in the ability to harmonize nature with modern infrastructure and to foster prosperity without compromising the future.

According to Koçiu, development refers to the capacity to transform dormant potential into robust economic engines that serve every Albanian.

Referring to the benefits expected from the Zvërnec investment, Koçiu underscored that “this is the multiplier effect that Albania needs in order to move beyond a cycle of chaotic, unplanned, and strategy-deficient tourism.”

“Consequently, this is not a competition for any government, political party, or group of investors. It is Albania’s pursuit of recognition as the undisputed leader in Mediterranean tourism. Above all, it is a race for the future of our children and the generations yet to come,” she emphasized.

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