Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, visited Berlin and signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises. This agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation between Albania’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Berlin Senate Department. It focuses on strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, supporting startups, and boosting business competitiveness.

“I am proud to sign the Joint Declaration of Intent. It marks a key step in deepening economic relations between Albania and Berlin. Furthermore, it accelerates Albania’s integration into the European innovation and research space,” Minister Ibrahimaj said.

She highlighted three main pillars for cooperation:

1. Building innovation and entrepreneurship capacities
The initiative will promote experience sharing on startup policies, financial instruments, innovation centers, and programs supporting youth and women entrepreneurs.

2. Connecting businesses and ecosystems
The ministry will organize structured B2B and B2I visits. Additionally, Albanian startups will participate in international trade fairs and establish bridges with Berlin’s ecosystem.

3. Supporting European integration efforts
The teams will develop joint projects and submit applications for EU funding programs, including Horizon Europe, Digital Europe Programme, and European Institute of Innovation and Technology instruments.

Overall, this collaboration forms part of the Ecosystem Connectors Berlin–Sarajevo–Tirana initiative. Consequently, it aims to position Tirana as a growing regional hub for innovation and technology.