Page 240 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT- NOVEMBER 2024

11/27/24, 2:11 PM UAE, Albania convene inaugural Joint Economic Committee in Tirana
The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign
Trade, and Belinda Balluku, Albania's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and

Energy, with the participation of senior officials and private sector representatives from both
countries including Juma Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs at the
Ministry of Economy; Blendi Gonxhja, Albanian Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation; and

Albanian Deputy Ministers of Economy, Culture and Innovation Sokol Duma and Enkelejd
Musabelliu.

"The UAE and Albania enjoy a growing strategic partnership, driven by a shared commitment to
fostering economic growth and sustainable development," said Al Zeyoudi. "The launch of the Joint
Economic Committee provides a vital platform to turn our shared vision into tangible results. By
aligning our priorities in key sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, and advanced

industries, we are building a foundation for deeper collaboration that benefits both nations."

He added, "The UAE, with its advanced infrastructure, global connectivity, and business-friendly
policies, has become a gateway to international markets. This presents a unique opportunity for
Albanian businesses to expand their reach, tap into new markets, and leverage the UAE's
competitive ecosystem. Equally, we recognize the vast potential that Albania holds for UAE

businesses. With its strategic location, dynamic economy, and commitment to regional integration,
Albania offers promising prospects for UAE companies to invest and contribute to its development."

From the Albanian side, Belinda Balluku said, "The convening of the first session of the UAE-
Albania Joint Economic Committee reflects our deepening bilateral relations and shared
commitment to accelerating joint economic growth."

Discussions during the meeting centred on advancing joint projects in renewable energy, logistics,
infrastructure, and agriculture. The UAE's Masdar and Albania's KESH announced plans to

collaborate on clean energy projects, targeting up to 3 gigawatts of solar and wind capacity, with an
initial 100-megawatt solar plant set to launch soon.

In logistics, both sides committed to exploring opportunities to enhance connectivity, with a focus
on strategic transport projects, including the Durres-Pristina railway line, which will streamline trade
routes across the Western Balkans.

Efforts to bolster tourism were also a key focus, with plans to increase cross-border travel and

investment in hospitality infrastructure.

Upon conclusion of the JEC meeting, Al Zeyoudi and the UAE private sector delegation participated
in a networking session with Laura Saro, General Director of the Albanian Investment Development
Agency (AIDA), and the agency's business community members to further explore potential areas
of collaboration to expand and strengthen business ties between the two nations.

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