TIRANA, Oct 17 /ATA/ At the Albania–Turkey Investment Forum, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized the strategic importance of economic cooperation between the two countries and the significant contribution of Turkish investments to the sustainable development of the Albanian economy.
In her remarks, Minister Ibrahimaj highlighted that in the first half of 2025, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to Albania reached a record level of €759 million. According to her, Turkey stands as the leading investor, accounting for 11.7% of total FDI — approximately €89 million.
She announced that the total stock of foreign investments in Albania has reached €16 billion, with Turkish investments amounting to €1.3 billion, positioning Turkey as the fifth largest investor in the country.
The Minister also noted that currently, 658 companies with Turkish capital are operating in Albania across key sectors of the economy, including construction, energy, manufacturing, banking, tourism, and information and communication technology.
These companies, she added, make a significant contribution to Albania’s Gross Domestic Product, technological development, and job creation.
In the area of bilateral trade, Minister Ibrahimaj highlighted that during the January–August period of this year, imports from Turkey to Albania reached €584 million, consisting mainly of construction materials, metals, machinery, and chemicals. Meanwhile, Albanian exports to Turkey amounted to €41 million, with key products including construction materials, energy, and food items.
“Bilateral trade continues to be strong and diversified, representing around 7.5% of our total trade volume,” Minister Ibrahimaj stated. “Between January and August 2025, imports from Turkey reached €584 million, mainly comprising construction materials, metals, machinery, and chemicals — all vital sectors contributing to Albania’s modernization. In the same period, exports to Turkey totaled €41 million, primarily in construction materials, energy, and food products.”
She emphasized that these figures reflect the complementary nature of the two economies and pointed to the next phase of cooperation: expanding partnerships in agri-business, digital innovation, logistics, and tourism — areas where Turkish expertise and Albanian potential can be effectively combined for mutual benefit.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve the business climate, Minister Ibrahimaj highlighted that the Albanian government has undertaken a series of reforms aimed at streamlining administrative procedures, digitizing public services through the “e-Albania” platform, and offering fiscal incentives for strategic and innovative investments.
She underscored Albania’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for investment and a reliable partner for long-term development.
Minister Ibrahimaj reaffirmed the Albanian government’s full support for Turkish investors, ensuring a transparent, stable, and business-friendly environment conducive to sustainable investment growth.
“We remain firmly committed to providing equal treatment and comprehensive protection for foreign investors, backed by a transparent and predictable regulatory environment. Our goal is straightforward: to establish Albania as both a regional investment hub and a reliable partner for sustainable, long-term development,” Minister Ibrahimaj affirmed.
Also present at the forum were the Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, as well as representatives from MÜSİAD International and MÜSİAD Albania. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama greeted the forum’s proceedings via a video message.
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