Some of the Albanian agricultural products are not sold abroad because of their quality. But for the market to expand, farmers will be helped to raise standards on their land.

Albanian producers face the rejection of agricultural products at the border, due to the lack of quality and standards. Over the past decade, more than half of the rejections came from the EU market and the rest from China and the US. But, for the market to open, measures are being taken so that the products have a standard.

“We support Albania’s economy and it is essential for it to develop and maintain a quality infrastructure, also strengthening the trust between business and consumers”, Ruth Huber, Ambassador of Switzerland to Albania.

Agricultural exports cost 550 million euros in 2023, and the goal of them reaching 1 billion euros in 2030 is undermined by border rejections.

“In Albania, market rejections have been an obstacle, and it is important to treat the products by strengthening the quality and harmonizing the market with the European Union”, Dorina Nati, Program Manager, GQSP.

The National Forum on Quality and Standards, organized by the United Nations Organization for Industrial Development, also addressed the opportunities that small and medium-sized producers have in place to increase quality and standards.