Albania and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding today between the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) and SIMEST S.p.A. during the first joint intergovernmental meeting.

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the initiative will deepen economic cooperation and help Albanian businesses expand internationally.

“Italy has been and remains our closest strategic partner,” Ibrahimaj said. “It leads as our top bilateral investor and supports us on the path to European integration. The AIDA-SIMEST agreement builds an integrated support system for businesses. It promotes innovation, digitalization, and sustainable growth.”

She added that institutions like CDP (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) and SIMEST are strengthening partnerships in research, technological innovation, development financing, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Ibrahimaj highlighted the Albania-Italy pension agreement, effective July 1, 2025. It allows citizens who worked in both countries to combine insurance periods. So far, people submitted about 1,500 applications, and the Social Insurance Institute processed 700 successfully.

“These agreements show our shared vision for a European future and a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable economy,” Ibrahimaj said.

She stressed that Albania sees Italy as a close friend and ally. “We aim to expand the bridge between Tirana and Rome. This bridge connects businesses, universities, institutions, communities, and citizens in the European family.”

The AIDA–SIMEST agreement, signed by AIDA Director Laura Plaku and SIMEST Managing Director Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, will foster knowledge exchange and joint projects. It will create new opportunities for economic, innovative, and technological cooperation between Italian and Albanian businesses.

/a.c/