What are the four priorities of regional trade? - Albania takes the lead of CEFTA in 2026
Albania is expected to take over the CEFTA Presidency in 2026. But what is CEFTA? The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) is a regional mechanism that aims to facilitate trade between the countries of the Western Balkans, by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and creating a more integrated and competitive market. It is considered a springboard towards rapprochement with the European common market.
While the four strategic priorities that our country will lead during this mandate have been presented. Firstly, the aim is to strengthen political and institutional cooperation between the CEFTA parties. Secondly, the emphasis is on increasing transparency and the involvement of economic and social actors in the drafting of trade policies. The third priority is the production of concrete results for businesses, especially in facilitating the circulation of goods, Green Lanes, tourism and agri-food trade. While the fourth priority is related to supporting value-added investments, through the harmonization and predictability of the regional market.
Minister Ibrahimaj described this phase as a key moment for CEFTA, emphasizing Albania's commitment to moving the process forward in the spirit of European integration and sustainable development of the region. Progress requires political will, the elimination of bureaucracy, and the creation of a favorable climate for entrepreneurship, which aims to increase investor confidence.
CEFTA remains an important mechanism for the stability, security and long-term growth of the region's economies, serving as a strong basis for rapprochement with the European common market.
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