The Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation of Albania Blendi Gonxhja and, International Finance Corporation (IFC) Manager for Europe Javier Suarez, in the presence of EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, today signed an agreement in Europe House, which paves the way for the development of Eco-Industrial Parks in Albania.

This initiative is part of the EU’s European Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, and marks an important step toward accelerating sustainable industrial development in Albania, supporting the country aligning with EU environmental standards.

Eco-Industrial Parks bring businesses together in a shared industrial space to optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance economic collaboration. Through this agreement, Albania will enhance its policy and regulatory frameworks, improve capacities for sustainable industrial zone management, and foster a new generation of low-carbon, resource-efficient industrial development.

“Through the concept of Eco-Industrial Parks, Albania is strategically positioning itself at the heart of the green transition and in alignment with Chapter 20 standards, supporting industrial policies and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises within the EU integration process. 

Kombinat in Tirana will be one of the key areas where this new development model will take shape, a space with great potential to become an eco-industrial park that combines green technology with efficient business interconnection and innovation.

With the support of the European Union and partnership with IFC, we aim to build stronger legal frameworks, enhance institutional capacities, and foster private investment in sustainable technologies. This is the path to turning Albanian industry into a green transition success story in the region.” said Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation.

The European Union is supporting Albania’s efforts towards a green and sustainable industrial transformation through the European Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2022-2027 as well as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

“The signing of the cooperation agreement for the development of Eco-Industrial Parks in Albania takes place symbolically on the very day Albania opens Cluster 3 of its EU accession negotiations, focused on competitiveness and inclusive growth. The EU is funding this project to support Albania's industrial decarbonisation.

We will provide expertise for the establishment of Eco-Industrial Parks to foster green investment and help existing businesses transition toward more sustainable practices. Industrial reform—including the green and digital transition—is a key element of the EU accession process and the EU is supporting Albania on this path," said Silvio Gonzato, EU Ambassador to Albania.

Implemented by IFC with the support of the EU, this initiative will provide technical assistance to the Albanian authorities in aligning policies with international Eco-Industrial Park standards, strengthening institutional capacities, and designing the concept for a new eco industrial parks.

“Through regulatory modernisation, capacity building, and the design of new sustainable industrial zones, we are creating the conditions for cleaner industries, stronger investment pipelines, and closer integration with global markets. Our goal is to support Albania in becoming a leader in attracting responsible investment within this initiative across the Western Balkans,” said Javier Suarez, IFC Manager Country Advisory and Economics, Europe.

This collaboration highlights Albania’s growing potential to attract sustainable investments, modernise its industrial sector, and integrate more closely into European and global value chains.

Aligned with EU environmental and climate policies, this initiative aims to support industrial decarbonisation and the creation of sustainable and competitive industrial zones. It is funded by the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework with a €3.6 million grant, with the aim to assess the feasibility of Eco-industrial parks through four pilot case studies. The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) has been instrumental in supporting projects like these across the region.?