March 27, 2025 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Igli Hasani, participated today in the 2025 General Assembly of “Confindustria Albania”, which organized the activity on the theme “Competitiveness and the Future: Businesses, Territories, the Confindustria Community”.

In his closing remarks, Minister Hasani initially praised the fact that “Confindustria Albania” has been a key partner in promoting relations between Albania and Italy since the beginning, offering support for economic cooperation between our two countries.

“For us, this cooperation is precious, and we will continue to support it with great enthusiasm. This is a commitment that requires close cooperation with our partners, where Italy has an extraordinary role. After two decades of intensive relations, Italy is one of the most important investors in Albania and a strategic ally in the process of Albania’s integration into the European Union”, he said.

Minister Hasani stated that Albania is currently at the best historical moment in its European journey: with the objective of opening all group chapters within this year, closing negotiations within 2027, and with a clear vision to become part of the family of European values ​​before 2030.

He stated that:

“EU membership is an opportunity to better position itself in a global environment and to increase its economic potential. This is not an opportunity that will come by itself. We must work closely with the private sector to create an atmosphere of investment and innovation that can transform our economy. The role of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEFA) is to be a bridge, promote exports and attract strategic investors. To achieve success in this process, to which we are fully committed, a strong partnership between the government and the private sector is essential. Only with close cooperation with our strategic partners can we maximize the benefits of our integration into the European Union”.

Minister Hasani also underlined one of the main focuses of MEFA, which is support for initiatives that connect local business with the Albanian diaspora.

“The Albanian diaspora is an extraordinary asset that has the potential to play a key role in the economic development and growth of Albania’s international ties. It is one of the main focuses of our policies. The Albanian diaspora, especially the large one living in Italy, has an extraordinary potential to contribute to the growth of the Albanian economy. And here, I firmly believe that it is an invaluable asset that must be used strategically,” said the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Igli Hasani.