Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli received by President, PM

Increased cooperation and trade relations between Albania and China during the last years have led to a visit of senior Chinese representatives to Tirana.

President of the Republic Bujar Nishani during a meeting with first-ranked Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China Zhang Gaoli expressed optimism about further cooperation in all fields, such as institutional, political, cultural and economic ones.

The head of state estimated that in the last decade, these relations have entered into a new stage and economic cooperation is expanding in the new conditions of regional and global developments.

The Chinese high-level delegation was received by Prime Minister Edi Rama and their meeting discussed the positive climate that is promoting a greater economic cooperation and Chinese investment in Albania.

The Chinese side stressed that Albania’s position in the region is strategic, adding that they see the need to enhance mechanisms of economic cooperation to stimulate private investment.

Currently, China has several cooperation initiatives in the region, where Albania is a member, such as “CEEC Cooperation 16 + 1” or “One road, one belt”

While noting that China currently has the biggest Investments in Albania, Prime Minister Rama emphasized that Albania expects them to be a benchmark for investments.

The two sides declared that the work of Economic and Trade Commission should intensify, an initiative of the two countries that explores potential and opportunities for cooperation.

At the meeting, the two sides agreed to exchange lists of strategic projects in Albania to see fields of possible expanded cooperation.

A ​​Chinese delegation consisting of 50 persons, including 5 ministers and deputy ministers, is conducting a visit in Albania.

This visit represents a special importance due to the fact that it is hoped that it will pave the way to new opportunities for cooperation in concrete projects between Albania and China within the two large programs initiated by China, such as the initiative “One road, one belt” and Cooperation mechanism 16 + 1.

“One road, one belt” is a project to revive the ancient Silk Road, which includes Albania, and which is expected to enhance infrastructure investment.

In 2016, through exchanges and cooperation at all levels, eight bilateral agreements have been signed, covering the area of diplomacy, culture, water resources, human resources and economic and technical signed.

The total volume of bilateral trade reached $334 million, marking an increase of 9.8% compared with 2015.

The takeover of the international airport of Tirana and acquisition of oil company “Bankers Petroleum” by Chinese companies makes China one of the most important trading partners and one of the main investors in Albania.

SCAN

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