New Delhi: India and Albania are ramping up cooperation in various fields such as infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, technology, and pharmaceuticals, as both nations look to build upon their already strong bilateral ties, said Dr. Olta Manjani, Albania’s deputy minister of economy, culture, and innovation, during her address at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Thursday.
The minister was in conversation with Dikshu C. Kukreja, the honorary consul general of Albania in India, and they both highlighted the growing opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
“We express our satisfaction regarding the decision of the Indian government to open a resident Mission in Tirana recently, and we do believe that this would invigorate and deepen the cooperation between our two countries,” Manjani said.
“Our side is looking forward to re-opening the Diplomatic Mission in New Delhi in the upcoming year,” she added. The mission was closed down due to budget constraints at the time.
With a rapidly growing tourism sector in Albania, Manjani said, the country was looking to further tap into this potential, particularly by attracting Indian tourists. The number of Indian visitors to Albania has risen by 35.7 percent in 2023.
The Albanian minister proposed that the establishment of direct air routes between Tirana and New Delhi would significantly boost tourism exchanges. This move is seen as pivotal in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cultural understanding.
“India and Albania share deep cultural and economic connections, and we are committed to exploring new avenues that will benefit both nations. Our economies have a natural synergy that can help unlock immense growth opportunities,” Kukreja said.
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Expanding economic cooperation
Both countries are also targeting cooperation in critical sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. Albania ranks as the third-highest user of renewable energy in Europe, behind Sweden and Finland. Manjani emphasised Albania’s commitment to expanding its green energy sector, positioning it as a key area for Indian investors.
“Renewable energy is a growing priority for Albania, and we are eager to partner with India in this sector,” the Albanian minister said.
Infrastructure projects are also high on the agenda, she said. Albania is working on large-scale developments in road and rail networks, including major projects along Corridor 8—a transportation route that connects Eastern and Western Europe.
“We invite Indian investors to explore the significant opportunities in infrastructure, including transport, energy, and other vital public works,” Manjani added.
Additionally, agriculture presents a promising field for collaboration, especially in areas like medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, and vegetables. Albania is keen to integrate more closely with the European Union’s Single Market, and the Albanian minister indicated that Indian expertise in agriculture would be valuable in modernising Albania’s agricultural sector.
Albania has also heavily invested in infrastructure, including ports and airports, and is ready to offer facilities for Indian companies to expand their operations in the country, using it as a hub for manufacturing and supply chains in the region.
“We are keen to develop strategic projects with India in sectors like infrastructure, energy, innovation, pharmaceuticals, software, and tourism, all key priorities for the Albanian government. Our strategic position in the Balkans and ongoing infrastructure projects, including the expansion of airports and ports, makes Albania an attractive destination for investment and connectivity in Europe,” she added.
Cultural ties and people-to-people exchange
Manjani said cultural exchange is a cornerstone of the India-Albania partnership, with a shared history of humanitarian contributions, including the revered figure of Mother Teresa, a key symbol in both countries’ collective memory.
The Albanian minister highlighted the country’s interest in enhancing cultural collaboration with India, focusing on art, literature, cultural heritage, and cinema. India’s rich cultural contributions, particularly in cinema and yoga, have found a warm reception in Albania.
The country recently hosted the first-ever Mini Festival of India, held in October 2024, which celebrated Indian cuisine and architecture. The event is expected to serve as a precursor to the Indian Cultural Week in Albania planned for next year.
In addition, Albanian television has been airing Indian films, and a recent International Film Festival in Tirana showcased six films by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
Albania has also been celebrating the International Day of Yoga annually, with over 100 yoga enthusiasts participating in the 10th International Day of Yoga in 2024. These cultural exchanges are strengthening the people-to-people ties between the two nations, the two speakers said.
Education, trade, and future economic opportunities
On the education front, both nations are exploring avenues to boost people-to-people engagement. Apart from the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, opportunities in higher education, research collaborations, and skill development programs are being discussed.
Manjani noted the importance of expanding educational exchanges, allowing young professionals and students from both countries to share knowledge and experiences.
“Albania is currently placing a strong emphasis on vocational education, recognising the close alignment between the skills provided through vocational training and the demands of the job market. Given this, we are eager to foster exchanges between vocational education institutions in Albania and India,” the Albanian minister told ThePrint.
“The establishment of inter-institutional cooperation between the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and other institutions with the goal of exchanging registration, documentation, and inventory methods for cultural heritage objects will give a new impetus to our collaboration.”
Manjani further said in her address that among the key initiatives is to establish a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement to regulate the flow of skilled workers into Albania.
Regarding trade, Manjani added that Albania’s exports to India surged by 251.7 percent in 2023, amounting to $335 million and expressed optimism about the future, with key sectors identified for further collaboration, including pharmaceuticals, information technology, and high-tech industries.
“We are focusing on the development of a skilled workforce, particularly for the rapidly growing sectors of tourism, construction, real estate, and energy. These industries are closely connected to the broader developments in Albania’s economy, making this a priority area for collaboration with India,” the Albanian minister added.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
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