Albania and Kosovo have signed two new cooperation agreements to strengthen the promotion and development of agro-food products of the two countries. During a press conference in Tirana, with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, and the Minister of Agriculture of Kosovo, Armend Muja, the importance of strengthening the cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector was emphasized.

Minister Salla stated that the signing of the two agreements between the parties is a proof of the excellent relations between Albania and Kosovo and the common will to turn the cooperation into concrete results for the citizens.

He emphasized that cooperation will focus on two main directions: the development and transfer of innovation technologies in agriculture, as well as the creation of a joint approach to the marketing and promotion of agro-food products.

“We strengthen cooperation and the signing of two agreements is proof of the excellent relations between the two countries, as well as the common will to turn this cooperation into tangible results for our citizens.

We have two strategic directions: the first is the development and transfer of technologies and the promotion of innovation in agriculture, and the second in a joint approach to the marketing and promotion of agro-food products. Agriculture is a strategic sector for both our countries and directly affects economic development,” said Salla. According to him, agriculture remains a strategic sector for both countries, with a direct impact on economic development. He added that the aim is to strengthen the presence of local products in regional and national markets, as well as to increase cooperation between economic operators.

“The cooperation between us is of particular importance and aims to exchange experiences and strengthen capacities in the interest of farmers and agri-food entrepreneurs of both countries. To strengthen the presence of our products in regional and national markets and to encourage cooperation between economic operators of the two countries. To modernize the agricultural sector, the digitization of services for farmers and innovative solutions that increase competitiveness. This will bring about joint development,” said Salla.

For his part, the Minister of Agriculture in Kosovo, Armend Muja emphasized that the signed agreements affect important areas such as the promotion of agro-food products and the transfer of technology and innovation, enabling the exchange of knowledge between the farmers of the two countries.

“The agreements signed today affect several important pillars related to the promotion of agri-food products of our two countries and the transfer of technologies and innovation, allows us to benefit and exchange knowledge between the farmers of our two countries”, said Muja.

Muja also emphasized food safety and the need to remove administrative barriers that prevent the free movement of goods, proposing the complete digitization of control processes.

“We also discussed strengthening security food, where we are reviewing all possible administrative barriers that prevent the free movement of goods between the two countries. The entire control process should be digitized and all obstacles between us should be removed. Our exports to Albania have doubled since 2021 and Albania is our main trading partner in the region in the import of agro-food products.

Source: prizrenpost