Japan values Albania as a gateway to the Balkans at a time that Albanian exports to Japan have increased in recent years, diversifying from seafood to organic wines and medicinal plants.

The Ambassador of Japan to Albania, Kikuko Kato, says: “Albania is located on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula, so it is a coastal state facing the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, serving as an entry gateway for The Balkans. Albania is now progressing at an extraordinary pace in economic and social reforms, aiming for EU membership by 2030. Currently, there are four Japanese companies operating in Albania. Among them, one is a large company that has been operating since 2019, creating over 1,000 jobs. In trade relations, exports of farmed tuna from the Adriatic Sea to Japan began in 2021, and exports of Albanian medicinal plants and organic wines to Japan have also started, gradually diversifying Albanian exports to Japan.

The Albanian Investment Development Agency, in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), organized the Albania-Japan Business Forum, which aims to strengthen economic relations and promote investment between the two countries.

There are some sectors where Albania is very strong and has potential, and with Japanese expertise: renewable energy, ICT (information and communication technologies), tourism, agriculture, manufacturing. Albania’s ambitions for clean energy, our growing digital sector, the developing tourism industry, as you may have heard, the strategic manufacturing position and the strong agricultural base create a solid foundation for cooperation,” says AIDA Director Laura Saro.