Under the auspices of Prime Minister Rama, a Joint Roundtable Discussion was held today with more than 100 representatives from the sectors of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, agri-processing, and agrotourism. The goal was to exchange ideas and engage in dialogue in the spirit of shaping and coordinating the necessary policies and instruments for the development of the agricultural economy, aligned with the vision “Albania 2030.”

This discussion table aims to create an interactive platform for dialogue on key issues related to the development of the agricultural economy across production sectors (agriculture, livestock, and fisheries), agro-processing, agrotourism, as well as other specific topics.

At the opening of the meeting, Prime Minister Rama emphasized that such a gathering marks the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation and interaction across the territories where everyday rural life unfolds.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama:

Good afternoon and thank you very much!
The reason we are gathered here today has to do with our need to listen more closely and in a more structured way to your perspectives—according to the different fields of activity—within this territory, the vast space of rural development.

Throughout the recent period of intensive contact with people in rural areas, due to the electoral process, we have come to feel the need to draw closer and to listen more attentively to the real, everyday lives of the people who live, work, and carry out their entrepreneurial activities in the countryside.

Occasionally, we have been able to gather information about issues that may seem simple at first glance, but in fact lie outside the radar of attention and awareness of the government and our decision-making structures. These issues often result in a significant waste of energy and, undoubtedly, in an unproductive use of your time—which is also the country’s time.

And of course, following this discussion, we will strive to find ways for this ongoing contact to become more productive, more effective in ensuring that your voices are heard, and undoubtedly more useful in shaping our policies and decision-making.

To a large extent, mayors tend to view the countryside primarily through the lens of urbanization—focusing on road infrastructure, sanitation, and lighting—but they do not consider it as part of their daily work in support of development.

We have reached a point where a shift in this approach is absolutely necessary. Even today, we do not have a single agricultural enterprise established through the contribution and collaboration of farmers, entrepreneurs, and local government structures.

There have been several attempts, but in reality, we cannot say that we have created a functional model. Meanwhile, we have made available to village farmers a new credit line from the Bank of Albania—250 million euros, which is a colossal amount aimed at supporting ambitions and backing rural projects. However, when combined with the sovereign guarantee that has long been available for rural areas, these efforts have not produced—and likely will not produce—any meaningful results unless we change our approach.

And when I say “we,” I don’t mean you here in this room; I mean us—the policymakers and decision-makers.

To change this approach, we need closer cooperation with the key actors who are engaged in the daily effort in rural areas. We also need a concrete plan to build the right models.

Some local government leaders are present here today, and I sincerely hope that from this conversation, we will open a new chapter of cooperation and interaction with the territories where every day rural life unfolds.

It’s not just the new loan facility that needs to be fully utilized—and which risks remaining underused—but also the Mountain Development Package, another newly introduced instrument designed to support rural development. This too is at risk of remaining untapped if we fail to establish the right intermediary mechanisms—at least until such tools become part of the everyday thinking of local communities.

And by “communities,” I mean both those who work the land and those who manage the territory—at both the local and central levels, according to their respective functions.

We have extraordinary untapped potential. Fortunately—and I have personally witnessed this—we also have outstanding examples in rural areas: individuals who have not only built successful enterprises but who also carry an exceptional wealth of knowledge.

That knowledge is a valuable asset that must be shared collectively.
But we cannot share it unless we take the first step to come to you—and unless we open the space for you to come to us.

This is exactly why we are here today. The invitations were extended with the intention of gathering a manageable number of key players around one discussion table—because, of course, you are not the only ones. There are many others as well, and those who don’t see themselves represented here should in no way feel excluded. This is simply a first step, intended to lay the groundwork for a broader process and to eventually organize joint discussion tables on rural issues at the regional level, where others can and will be invited—guided by the likely outcomes of today’s conversation.

We have a pressing need to increase the impact of institutions that, at least on paper and by mission, are tasked with supporting agriculture and rural development, but which in practice often fall short.

And this is where I would really like for today’s discussion to be as open and candid as possible. It’s of no use to us if you speak in vague or softened terms or avoid saying things directly. Only by speaking frankly and clearly can you help us understand what we need to do better for you—and ultimately, what we can do better together for the country as a whole. Because what’s done well for the country is always the result of the combined contributions of all.

And naturally, if we succeed in doing more—and doing it better—so that you can do more and do better, then the collective impact of everyone’s contributions will make Albania stronger and better.

For this reason, I believe the foundation of today’s meeting must be complete openness regarding why we are here—without reservations, without filters. Speak plainly about what you observe in your daily lives, what you encounter, and what you believe we should be doing.

We certainly have the ambition to now give much greater importance to agri-processing, and to significantly increase exports of processed agricultural products. But this requires entrepreneurship—real, structured entrepreneurship. And that cannot be left to chance or depend solely on the passion or ambition of a few individuals. It must be built on a shared framework of joint effort.

This requires entrepreneurship, and local government must take the lead. It should be the first point of support for those who want to expand their enterprises, or for those who want to start new ones—across all areas.

I believe the purpose and spirit of this roundtable are clear. What remains is for us to move forward with the discussion and to draw out the most from each of you. So I invite you to feel completely free to speak, to help us truly understand what is happening on the ground—what is missing, and what opportunities exist, starting from the administrative unit level, even before reaching the municipal level, and extending all the way up to the Ministry of Agriculture—the full chain.

Of course, this includes all other institutions that affect your work—tax authorities, customs, and more.

Thank you once again for being here.
A heartfelt thank you as well to those who have built and hosted us in this beautiful setting.

Let’s consider this roundtable officially open.