The aquaculture sector is expanding rapidly in Albania in recent years. The sector got attention and support from both policy-makers and benefited from Albanian Agribusiness & Tourism Support Facility (AATSF) program. “Alb-Adritico 2013”, located in the city of Vlora, cultivates seabass and other seafood products, products highly demanded by local and regional markets.
Mr. Bledi Çuçi, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, during a summer tour visiting agriculture and aquaculture businesses all over Albania, has visited “Alb-Adritico 2013” to discuss the latest aquaculture sector investments and potential future projects.
“The Aquaculture industry is a very important sector for Albanian economy. In the past five months, it has exported 1,200 tons of fish product to European Union countries alone. It also employees hundreds of people and has potential to grow its annual production up to 10,000 tons.” – said minister Çuçi.
Thanks to support from European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Government of Albania through AATSF program and Partner Financial Institutions, “Alb-Adritico 2013” has been able to increase its seafood production capacities and its quality standards, helping the business to enter EU markets.
“Alb-Adriatico 2013” is among 6,000 businesses benefiting from the Program which has been gained technical and financial support and they can serve as row model to promote on how AATSF contributes to agriculture sector sustainable economic development in Albania.