Tirana, October 28 – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, introduced today the new director of the Durres Port Authority, Liburn Aliu. Earlier today, she said his appointment comes at a key moment for the strategic development of Albanian ports.

In her speech, Balluku focused on the major project to construct the new commercial port in Porto Romano. She added that the initiative aims to make Albania an important logistical and economic hub in the region.

Balluku stated, “We started a development plan for a new port near Durrës. This city is a reference point for the entire region. Also, with support from one of the largest international companies, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy prepared a detailed document outlining all steps to build the new Porto Romano port”.

In addition, she said North Macedonia and Kosova expressed interest in participating in the project. They plan to create dry ports in Skopje and Prishtina. As a result, regional cooperation and the Western Balkans’ logistics chain will strengthen.

Balluku emphasized, “The international tender process has been transparent and attracted high interest. Meanwhile, five foreign companies competed. Later, on January 31, we will announce the winner of the international tender for the new Durrës port. Also, construction will start in Porto Romano in 2026. The port will be fully operational within three years”.

She underlined the strategic importance of the port. She added that it will serve the Albanian economy and regional partners, as well as international allies.

Balluku said, “Porto Romano will become the largest port in the Western Balkans. It will serve North Macedonia and Kosova. At the same time, it will function as a logistics corridor available for all NATO operations”.

Finally, she noted, “Durrës needs a professional director with deep port and geopolitical knowledge. Liburn Aliu meets these conditions. As a result, I am confident he will successfully complete this important mission”.

/a.p./