ALBANIA INVITES INVESTMENTS IN AGRICULTURE AND TOURISM SECTORS

ALBANIAN AMBASSADOR KADZADEJ: "ALBANIA, SET TO JOIN THE EU IN 2030, IS AN ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION FOR INVESTMENT"

ATO PRESIDENT BARAN: "WE AIM TO INCREASE OUR TRADE WITH ALBANIA TO $2 BILLION"

10-02-2025- Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) President Gürsel Baran stated that Albania, a key player in maintaining stability and peace in the Balkans, ranks among the top countries from which Turkey imports the most. Baran noted, "Before the pandemic, our trade volume with Albania was below $500 million. With the close ties between our countries reflected in the figures, this amount has now reached $1 billion. Now, following the vision set by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoðan, we aim to increase our trade with Albania to $2 billion."

Albanian Ambassador Blerta Kadzadej visited ATO President Gürsel Baran in his office, where she provided insights into investment and trade relations between the two countries. Emphasizing that Turkey is the third-largest investor in Albania, Ambassador Kadzadej stated that there are 480 Turkish companies operating in Albania, along with 700 companies established through Turkish-Albanian partnerships. She pointed out that Turkish companies have made significant investments in strategic sectors such as energy, mining, and banking in Albania. Inviting Turkish businesspeople to invest in the agriculture and tourism sectors, she said, "Albania is a country rich in ports and natural resources. Set to become a European Union member in 2030, Albania presents a favorable environment for investment."

Ambassador Kadzadej highlighted Albania's infrastructure, stating that the country has four ports, two airports, and 4,800 kilometers of roadways. She also emphasized that Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia are just two hours away from the capital, Tirana. Additionally, she expressed Albania's interest in hosting an "Albania Day" event to introduce the country's investment opportunities in more detail to Turkish businesspeople.

During the meeting, ATO President Baran provided an overview of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce and the city's economy. He explained that Ankara is a prominent hub for defense, textiles, furniture, and medical industries, as well as a strong player in health tourism. Noting that a Free Trade Agreement exists between Turkey and Albania, Baran stated that the necessary infrastructure and conditions are in place to enhance bilateral trade.

Highlighting Albania's key role in regional stability, Baran reiterated that Turkey ranks among the top trading partners of Albania. He added, "Before the pandemic, our trade volume was below $500 million. It has now risen to $1 billion. Following our President's vision, we aim to elevate our trade relations with Albania to $2 billion." Baran also stated that ATO is ready to implement various initiatives, including one-on-one business meetings, to strengthen trade and investment ties with Albania.

Furthermore, Baran announced that direct flights between Ankara and Tirana will commence soon, which is expected to enhance tourism and trade between the two countries.