Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi attended the Global Sustainable Transport Forum in China, one of the world’s major events dedicated to transport.

Speaking at the forum, Karakaçi called for stronger international cooperation in transport. He also highlighted Albania’s role in major European transport networks.

Karakaçi described Albania as a small country with a strategic position. He said the country connects two major European corridors: Corridor VIII and the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor.

Regarding Corridor VIII, Karakaçi said authorities are completing the tender for the Durrës-Rrogozhinë railway. They expect to announce the winning bidder by November.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to expand the Elbasan-Qafë Thanë corridor. They are also advancing work on the Elbasan bypass.

“The first sections of the Elbasan bypass have already entered the construction phase,” Karakaçi said.

As for the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor, Karakaçi said authorities are completing the tender for the Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway.

“The investment amounts to around 360 million euros. Construction should begin in early 2027,” he said.

At the same time, engineers are preparing the study for the most challenging section of the Adriatic-Ionian motorway, Murriqan-Balldren. The European Union is supporting the study through grant funding.

The ministry expects to receive the engineering study in January 2027.

Moreover, the ministry continues to finalize the contract for the Milot-Balldren motorway. It is also completing the project’s final technical design.

“I have recently noticed a lot of uncertainty surrounding this project. To ensure full transparency, we will publish all project documents on the BESËS platform, Flamingo Mirror. Anyone interested will be able to review and verify the documents,” Karakaçi said.

Finally, Karakaçi said he would meet academic staff at the Shanghai Institute of Technology. The meetings will open a new chapter of research cooperation in water supply and sewerage with the internationally recognized institution.

/a.c/