Albania launches €250 million agricultural financing scheme to boost rural investments and exports
The Albanian government has introduced a €250 million financing scheme to support rural development and agriculture. The plan, backed by the state as guarantor, will provide funding for investments in greenhouses, agri-processing, fishing, aquaculture, agrotourism, and technological innovation. During a roundtable hosted by the Bank of Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized that this initiative aims to raise agricultural exports to €1 billion by 2030 and promote rural entrepreneurship through new support measures like the “Mountain Package.”
Why is this important: Albania’s agricultural sector has historically struggled with low investment and limited access to credit. With only 2.1% of bank loans allocated to agriculture, the new financing scheme aims to overcome these barriers by offering reduced interest rates and easier collateral requirements. This initiative is expected to drive growth, increase competitiveness, and attract investments, particularly from the diaspora, enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural development and exports.
Context: The financing scheme is part of broader efforts by the Albanian government to modernize agriculture and boost rural economic development. The partnership with the Bank of Albania and second-tier banks is designed to address key challenges, including climate risks, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to credit for farmers.
Prime Minister Rama outlined that the scheme combines financial incentives with state support for business formalization in rural areas. The initiative builds on the success of over 500 agricultural projects supported by EU-aligned programs. Rama expressed optimism that the new financing model will stimulate growth in rural enterprises, ultimately contributing to Albania’s economic integration into the EU.
The “Mountain Package,” a key component of the strategy, aims to promote agrotourism by offering full state guarantees for land ownership and tax exemptions to investors. This program is expected to attract both local entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora looking to invest in their regions of origin.
Next step: The government, in collaboration with the Bank of Albania and financial institutions, will continue to refine the program’s implementation, ensuring that rural businesses have access to credit. The initiative will also involve ongoing consultations with farmers, investors, and industry stakeholders to optimize its impact on rural development.
Go deeper
Tirana’s Mosaic restored: blending ancient history with innovation
Published on April 2, 2025
Why is this important: A key aspect of the renovation is the introduction of a new visitor itinerary that offers a dynamic and accessible experience, particularly for children. The updated Mosaic will feature digital exhibitions and interactive installations, designed to enhance engagement. These installations, including bilingual documentaries, will offer an educational experience for both local and international tourists.
Albania to ease work visa rules for foreign nationals amid labor shortages
Published on April 1, 2025
Why is this important: The proposed amendments to the 2021 Law “On Foreigners” would grant the Ministry of Economy the authority to negotiate bilateral labor agreements with other countries. One such agreement is already in the works with the Philippines, with the goal of bringing up to 40,000 skilled workers to Albania. Negotiations have also started with Indonesia.
Return of U.S. justice experts signals continued support for SPAK under Trump administration
Published on April 1, 2025
Why is this important: With the start of Trump’s second term, figures in Albania’s political opposition—most notably former Prime Minister Sali Berisha—had claimed that the U.S. would pull back support from the reform. Berisha, who has been declared “non grata” by the U.S. State Department for alleged corruption, has repeatedly framed the justice reform as a “Soros project” and argued that a Trump administration would distance itself from it. He has also insisted that his U.S. designation would soon be revoked.