TIRANA, April 15 – The head of the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC), Elira Kokona, urged the diaspora on Wednesday to engage directly in Albania’s economic transformation. She called on Albanians abroad to move beyond observation and become active investors in national development.

Speaking at the 9th Diaspora Summit in Tirana, Kokona said the event focused on practical cooperation rather than abstract ideas. She stressed that Albania invites diaspora members to invest and co-build future projects. She described them as “co-builders” of a country undergoing structural change. She added that the transformation concerns both residents and citizens abroad.

Kokona said diaspora communities bring experience, international networks, and professional standards. She highlighted their role in investment projects developed by the Albanian Investment Corporation. She pointed to Durana Tech Park as a key example of an innovation ecosystem. She also cited Expo Albania as a platform for structured diaspora investment and international partnerships.

She said Albania holds significant underused public assets. Through AIC, the state aims to convert them into development engines. She referenced projects such as Lift and Void Tower. She said these developments transform abandoned or degraded spaces into modern urban assets. She added that these projects rely on public structures and long-term planning.

Kokona said Albania records steady economic growth and an improving investment climate. She said AIC manages strategic national and regional projects. She added that the institution aims to turn public assets into investable opportunities.

She also reported that AIC manages a portfolio exceeding 1 billion euros in investments. She said more than 85 projects are currently under implementation. She concluded that the state now acts as a co-developer, not only a regulator.

/a.p./