Albania and China Seek Stronger Business Ties as 30 Albanian Entrepreneurs Explore Investment Opportunities
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| Nikolin Jaka (left), head of the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, signing a strategic cooperation agreement in Beijing alongside Chinese business leaders to strengthen economic ties and investment opportunities |
Speaking in an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Nikolin Jaka, head of the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed the results of his delegation's visit to Beijing, the opportunities identified by Albanian and Chinese companies, and the changes he has observed in China after seven years, CRI in Albanian reports.
The Albanian delegation, which includes approximately 30 entrepreneurs representing different sectors of the country's economy, held a meeting with representatives of the China Chamber of E-Commerce and signed a cooperation agreement aimed at intensifying business relations between the two countries.
According to Jaka, the discussions focused particularly on technology, scientific innovation and the challenges facing businesses as economies increasingly rely on advanced technological solutions.
He said that meetings between Albanian and Chinese companies helped identify common interests, business needs and potential areas for cooperation, including opportunities to establish production activities in Albania.
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| Nikolin Jaka during the Albanian business delegation's visit to China, exchanging a plaque to mark the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries |
"The most important thing was that we identified common interests, with ideas and initiatives that could also lead to concrete investments in production on Albanian territory," Jaka said.
Technology and investment at the centre of cooperation
Jaka described the agreement between the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chinese Chamber of E-Commerce as an important framework for developing commercial relations.
The agreement commits both organisations to improving the exchange of business information and facilitating contacts and cooperation between companies.
During the meetings in Beijing, the Albanian delegation also invited Chinese entrepreneurs to consider Albania not merely as a destination for exporting products, but as a potential location for investment and production.
Jaka said the response from Chinese business representatives had been positive. He particularly highlighted the role of China's academic and research institutions in supporting companies through technological development, consultancy and innovation.
According to him, this cooperation between businesses and research institutions contributes to the long-term development and competitiveness of Chinese companies.
Albania presents incentives for Chinese investors
Another important topic discussed during the visit was the investment framework available in Albania, particularly the incentives offered to foreign investors operating in strategic sectors.
Jaka said the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry had presented the legal framework and facilities available to international companies interested in investing in the country.
He stressed that Albania's legislation provides specific support for foreign investments, particularly those classified as strategic investments and operating in sectors covered by the relevant legal provisions.
The discussions reportedly generated interest among Chinese companies and produced several initiatives that could develop into concrete business opportunities.
"I have confidence that China will not only be Albania's second-largest partner in economic transactions, but will also become one of the leading investors in Albania," Jaka said.
His statement reflects the ambition to move beyond trade exchanges and develop a stronger investment relationship between the two countries.
Around 30 Albanian companies explore opportunities in China
The Albanian delegation includes approximately 30 entrepreneurs whose businesses have an important presence in the country's economy.
According to Jaka, their main interest during the visit was to explore ways of improving their companies' technological capabilities, production processes and overall productivity.
He explained that Chinese technology could offer opportunities for Albanian businesses seeking to modernise their operations and become more competitive.
However, he noted that the private sector's enthusiasm ultimately depends on the economic benefits of any potential partnership.
Businesses, he explained, assess opportunities through a cost-benefit calculation: investment becomes attractive when the expected returns justify the expenses and risks involved.
The delegation's discussions therefore focused not only on establishing contacts but also on identifying practical opportunities that could generate measurable benefits for participating companies.
Nikolin Jaka: China is a model of economic development
Asked about his return to China after seven years and the changes that impressed him most, Jaka described the country as an important example of economic development for Albania and the wider international community.
He said China had established itself at the forefront of technological and economic transformation and argued that its development experience offered lessons for countries seeking to strengthen their economies.
"China is a school for everyone, not only for Albania, but also for global economic development," Jaka said.
The visit comes as Albania seeks to expand its international commercial partnerships, attract foreign investment and improve the technological capacity of its private sector.
The agreement signed in Beijing provides a framework for closer cooperation between business organisations, although its practical impact will depend on whether the contacts and initiatives developed during the visit translate into investment projects, commercial agreements and long-term partnerships.