The Metallurgical Complex of Elbasan is set to be revitalized, entering a new phase of development as a National Center for Production, Logistics, and Innovative Technology – Made in Albania. This transformation will turn the site from an industrial legacy into a green, sustainable space, opening new horizons for Elbasan and positioning it as a key hub of innovation and development — a center for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable technology.

Today, a meeting was held in Elbasan with entrepreneurs from the Metallurgical area, who actively produce, export, and make a real contribution to the Albanian economy. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with the Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja; the Minister of State for Local Governance, Arbjan Mazniku; and the Mayor of Elbasan, Gledian Llatja.
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Thank you for your time and for your willingness to be part of this meeting where, as the previous speakers outlined, the aim is to enter a new phase in the transformation of the Kombinat — or more precisely, the territory of the Metallurgical Plant — into a National Industrial Park. This area holds extraordinary potential, and our intention is to build an alliance with all the businesses present here today. Not only to further support your expansion — for those of you who have requests and plans to grow — but also to establish a new concept for the management of the daily life of this entire territory, following the vision presented by the Minister of State for Local Governance, who is especially focused on Elbasan.

We have engaged a significant number of architects — both internationally renowned and some of the best local professionals — to define the direction of the master plan. The territory here is vast and leaves room for imagination and innovation. The core idea must be that this park becomes a destination for everyone. Alongside the auto-moto park, this industrial park should become a strategic point of connection between Tirana and Elbasan, turning Elbasan into an integral part of Albania’s metropolitan future in the decades to come.
So, not just Tirana–Durrës, but also Tirana–Dibra and Tirana–Elbasan — considering the transformation of infrastructure and the shortening of distances — are in fact three extensions of the capital. Coming to work here takes as much time, or even less, than it might take to commute from one side of Tirana to the other, in some cases. Therefore, this should be viewed from that perspective, and it must be understood that there is real potential here to expand the capital and to bring new energy and breathing space to it.

I repeat — with these two closely situated points, the Kombinat Park and the Auto-Moto Park — the Formula 1 circuit will be the cherry on top. But this is not just an investment for Formula 1, which takes place only three days a year. It will be a daily destination, not only for many types of racing events but above all, for road safety. It will become a European center for road safety advancement, modeled after the best practices Europe has to offer today, thanks also to the partnership built with the Road Safety Center in Austria.
The other point I want to emphasize is that it is extremely important for us to be informed by you — and that’s why we need to establish this joint working table. My directive to both ministers is to make this possible: that we are informed by you about every plan you have. You are already here, and of course, we want others to come as well, but we want this path to begin with you — with your plans.

What expansion plans do you have? What investments are you planning to make moving forward? Who among you intends to expand? Who may not plan to expand but has other requests? This information needs to be gathered and included in the overall data foundation, so that it can guide the conceptualization and implementation of the master plan.
Finally, the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) will be part of this project, because — as was broadly outlined here — it is essential that the public sector, through its instruments, also takes part and plans its share of investments.

This territory must have space and purpose for people of all ages and categories. Not only factories, not only offices, not only business — but also culture, sports, and recreation for children. Everything is possible to make this a reality.

Thank you once again, and I truly hope for strong cooperation. Thank you very much!