In the remote village of Kovashicë in Bulqiza, Albania, a remarkable story of perseverance, family tradition, and rural entrepreneurship has been unfolding. At just 27 years old, Aleks Shtrezi has become a symbol of how young Albanians can find prosperity without emigrating abroad. His success lies in trout farming, a profession he inherited and developed with passion and determination.
Aleks’s story was recently featured on Hotspot, a popular television program on A2 CNN hosted by journalist Armend Pire. His journey highlights not just the success of a family business but also the broader opportunities that exist in Albania’s countryside, especially when tradition meets innovation.
Growing Up with Trout Farming
Aleks’s relationship with trout farming began in childhood. His uncle started the business in 2002, at a time when Aleks was just four years old. The family invested in building a fish farm, nurturing trout in the crystal-clear spring waters of Kovashicë. Over time, trout farming became more than just a business—it became a way of life.
When his uncle later emigrated to Ukraine, where he has now lived and worked for over a decade, Aleks and his father stepped in to continue and expand the work. Today, the farm has grown into one of the most successful trout farms in the region, producing up to 200,000 trout annually, equivalent to nearly 60–70 tons of fish that are supplied to businesses and restaurants across Albania.
“I grew up with this work and never thought about leaving the village,” Aleks explained during his interview with A2 CNN. “There are good profits, strong demand, and a future here.”
The Role of Family Support
A crucial part of Aleks’s success is his father, Xhevahir, who knows firsthand the challenges of emigration. Having spent 15 years abroad, he returned to Albania convinced that building a future at home was a better path for the next generation.
“Emigration has its difficulties,” he shared. “There is nothing better than working in your own country. I am proud that my son chose to stay here, and I support him in every way.”
This father-son partnership has strengthened not just their business but also their family bond, serving as a living example of how shared effort can transform rural livelihoods.
The Game-Changing Impact of Rruga e Arbrit
One of the major developments that boosted Aleks’s business was the opening of the Rruga e Arbrit highway. In the past, it would take six to seven hours for locals to reach Tirana. Today, Aleks can deliver fresh trout to the capital in just one hour.
This infrastructure upgrade has expanded the farm’s market significantly. In addition to Tirana, the family now supplies trout to Pogradec, Tropoja, Valbona, and other tourist destinations across Albania. The high-quality fish, raised in pure spring water, has become a favorite among restaurants and tourists alike.
“The new road has helped us a lot,” Aleks noted. “Now we can meet the growing demand, not only in Tirana but also in regions that attract many visitors.”
Tradition Meets Opportunity
Aleks’s trout farm is more than a family business—it is a reflection of Albania’s untapped potential. The country’s rich natural resources, combined with youthful energy and entrepreneurship, can create thriving industries without the need for mass emigration.
By staying in Kovashicë, Aleks not only preserved a family legacy but also contributed to the local economy, created employment opportunities, and inspired other young people to consider agriculture and aquaculture as viable futures.
A Broader Message from Hotspot
The Hotspot program on A2 CNN, which features Aleks’s story, focuses on bringing untold stories of everyday Albanians to light. Each episode showcases individuals who, through hard work and creativity, are building meaningful lives in their homeland. From traditions to modern entrepreneurship, these stories remind viewers that success does not always require leaving one’s roots behind.
Aleks’s journey is a perfect example: a young man who turned a rural village into a hub of aquaculture, proving that with determination, family support, and the right opportunities, Albania’s youth can achieve prosperity without emigrating.
Final Thoughts
The story of Aleks Shtrezi is more than just a tale of trout farming—it is a narrative about resilience, opportunity, and the importance of believing in one’s land. By cultivating 200,000 trout annually, Aleks has not only secured his own future but has also shown that rural Albania has enormous potential waiting to be developed.
As Albania continues to modernize its infrastructure and promote local industries, stories like Aleks’s will serve as beacons of hope for a generation searching for stability and success.