Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, participated on Wednesday in the high-level panel organized within the framework of CEFTA Week 2025, in Prishtina, an event that brought together key decision-makers from the region to discuss the future direction of trade cooperation and economic integration.

During her speech, the Minister emphasized that the economies of the Western Balkans are facing a new global reality, where supply chains are changing, climate conditions are becoming harsher, and competition requires more integrated and predictable markets.

In this context, the Minister stated that CEFTA remains a key mechanism for the stability, security, and long-term growth of the economies of the region, serving as the most important basis for rapprochement with the European common market.

Minister Ibrahimaj underlined the need to turn regional cooperation into a daily practice, through the harmonization of rules, the digitalization of border crossings, increased transparency and business inclusion, technical assistance, and the inclusion of SMEs in policy-making.

She also stressed that progress in CEFTA requires sustained political will to eliminate red tape and build a favorable climate for entrepreneurship and increase investor confidence.

An important focus of discussion during this meeting was the role of CEFTA in attracting value-added investments. “The region must move towards investments that bring technology, skills, and productivity, making CEFTA a functional platform for gradual integration into the EU market,” said Ibrahimaj.

At the end of the panel, it was made official that Albania will take over the CEFTA Presidency in 2026, where the minister presented the four strategic priorities that Albania will lead during this mandate.