The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, paid an official visit to Berlin this Tuesday, where she signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) with the Governing Mayor and Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises of Berlin, Franziska Giffey.
It is reported that the declaration establishes a structured framework of cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Albania and the Berlin Senate Department, focusing on strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, supporting startups, and increasing business competitiveness.
“The signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent represents an important step in strengthening economic relations between Albania and Berlin, as well as in accelerating Albania’s integration into the European innovation and scientific research area,” Minister Ibrahimaj stated.
According to her, the cooperation will be based on three main pillars:
- Capacity building for innovation and entrepreneurship
Exchange of experiences on startup policies, financial instruments, the establishment of innovation centers, and support for youth and women entrepreneurship. - Business and ecosystem connectivity
Organization of structured B2B and B2I visits, participation in international trade fairs, and the creation of cooperation bridges between Albanian startups and Berlin’s ecosystem. - Support for the European integration process
Development of joint projects and applications for funding under European Union programs, including Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Programme, and the instruments of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
According to the Minister, this cooperation will be developed within the framework of the Ecosystem Connectors Berlin–Sarajevo–Tirana initiative and aims to position Tirana as an emerging regional hub for innovation and technology.
