Albania and Kosovo Signed Two Agreements to Improve Cooperation in Agriculture

Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Andis Salla and Kosovo’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, Armend Muja, signed two collaboration agreements in Tirana to increase institutional cooperation in the agriculture and rural development sectors.
The agreements were inked during the Kosovo Minister’s official visit to Albania. The agreements, which follow commitments made at a meeting in Pristina in April, are focused on two main areas: the development of agricultural advisory services, technology transfer, and innovation promotion, as well as the establishment of a joint approach to the marketing, promotion, and facilitation of trade in agricultural products.
Minister Salla emphasized at the joint press conference the importance of cooperation between Albanian and Kosovo institutions, citing new opportunities for experience exchange, capacity building, and the development of joint initiatives in the interests of farmers and agri-food businesses.
The agreement on the marketing and promotion of agri-food products includes measures to improve product competitiveness, strengthen their presence in regional and international markets, coordinate promotional activities and participation in trade fairs, and encourage cooperation among economic operators from both countries.
Meanwhile, the agreement on advisory services, technology transfer, and innovation seeks to modernize the agricultural sector by strengthening professional capacities, exchanging knowledge and best practices, improving and digitalizing farmer services, and providing them with technologies and innovative solutions that boost productivity and competitiveness.
Minister Salla emphasized that these agreements lay the groundwork for long-term institutional coordination and sectoral collaboration, as well as opportunities to participate in European Union programs, projects, and funding, as well as initiatives supported by other international development partners.
The minister emphasized that agriculture remained a crucial sector for both Albania and Kosovo, having direct implications for economic development, the well-being of rural people, job creation, and food security.