Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with the European Union.

Ibrahimaj said the next phase of regional cooperation should focus on implementation and concrete results for businesses and citizens. She presented Albania’s priorities as chair of the Central European Free Trade Agreement in its 20th year. The priorities include expanding Green Lanes, aligning border-authority schedules, simplifying controls for fruit and vegetables, recognizing conformity assessment results for industrial products and using electronic trust services. She also called for stronger regional value chains in agrifood, manufacturing, tourism and services, as well as closer links with European value chains.

Meanwhile, Ibrahimaj said the Regional Common Market should serve as a practical tool for accelerating European integration rather than an alternative to it. She highlighted the Western Balkans Growth Plan and Albania’s implementation record. Ibrahimaj also said regional cooperation should maintain common standards while allowing countries that are ready to advance faster in specific areas. She invited ministers and international partners to Tirana for further discussions on the region’s next phase of economic integration.

/a.p./