Sixth Session of the Albanian-Austrian Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation held in Tirana

The Albanian delegation was headed by the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Entrepreneurship, Ms. Brunilda Paskali, whereas the Austrian delegation was headed by the General Director of Foreign Economic Relations in the Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy, Mr. Franz Wessig. 

The Sixth Session of the Joint Commission was held under a nice and friendly atmosphere, where mutual understanding prevailed. This reiterates the willingness and determination of both countries to address the cooperation priorities, to find feasible and efficient solutions for further development and to intensify the bilateral relations in various economic sectors. 

Within a period of two days, members of the two delegations discussed several issues of mutual interest with a view to enhancing the economic, trade, institutional and investment cooperation between the two countries and finding new ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. 

Both sides exchanged information on the economic situation of their respective countries; they assessed the current stage of bilateral trade and economic cooperation and discussed, proposed and defined the perspectives for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They agreed to enhance cooperation in order to support SME’s policies, protect private property, financial cooperation, transport and infrastructure, ICT, energy and mining, agriculture, tourism, environment, professional education, social welfare, etc. 

The Albanian side extended its gratitude to the Austrian side for their continuous support to Albania in receiving the EU candidate country status, and at the same time, confirmed the readiness to any cooperation or support proposed by the Austrian government in this regard. 

At the end of the meeting, the heads of both delegations signed the Protocol on Economic Cooperation. 

Business representatives that currently operate in Albania were also included in the discussion table, together with other investors who see in Albania a new opportunity for their investments. It was agreed to intensify the economic and trade relations and that the private sector should play a leading role in this process, transforming into a linking bridge for economic cooperation and investments between the two countries. 

This Protocol marked a tangible achievement in the field of economic cooperation. This Protocol will serve as a platform with concrete engagements, upon which relevant institutions of both governments will cooperate and hold joint activities and projects, encourage direct investment, especially in the field of infrastructure, energy, environment, tourism, widen their network between business institutions by providing feasible help to them, etc. 

At the end of the talks, it was agreed to hold the following session in Vienna, at a time still to be decided upon by both sides, via diplomatic channels.