Albania, Kosovo closer to Shengjin Port deal

TIRANA, Oct. 3 – The Albanian government has reiterated its commitment to put the northern Shengjin port at the disposal of landlocked Kosovo. This was confirmed last weekend in Tirana during a meeting Albanian Economy Minister Ilir Meta had with his Kosovo counterpart Lufti Zharku. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, new Economy and Trade Minister, Meta, said the design and modernization of the Shengjin port would have special impact on the development of Kosovo and even the region.
“We are in constant dialogue on the exchange of concrete proposal which will make possible such big enterprise,” said Meta.
Meanwhile, Kosovo’s Trade and Industry Minister Zharku announced the Kosovo Transport Ministry, which is responsible for the Shengjin deal, was working on a feasibility study to find the best ways to make the port available for Kosovo businesses.
“We are very grateful to the Albanian government for putting the Shengjin port at our disposal,” Zharka told reporters.
Meta reconfirmed the Albania’s support to Kosovo’s integration into regional trade and economic agreements, saying that both government have agreed to sign a deal on industrial and trade cooperation and renew the current investment promotion agreement.
The comments came after both ministers attended a furniture fair in Tirana, where Kosovo and other international companies participated.
Last month, Kosovo’s Transport Minister Fatmir Limaj called on local businesses to be prepared to invest in Shengjin port if the Albanian government decides to grant a concession.
Speaking during a meeting with Kosovo’s Economic Chamber (ECK) members last week, Limaj said “Kosovo businesses will invest in Shengjin port which will be made fully available to Kosovo businesses.”
Albania has in principle agreed to grant its northern Shengjin port to landlocked Kosovo.
Last year, Prime Minister Sali Berisha expressed his readiness to put the Shengjin port at Kosovo’s disposal.
Minister Limaj also stressed the importance of Kosovo’s railway connection to neighbouring Albania.
According to Limaj, Kosovo needs to construct only 17 kilometers of railway line to connect to Albania and will start doing it as soon as Albania finishes its part.
“The Kosovo government’s policies include the creation of corridors and our country’s connection to international corridors, as is the highway to Durres and the sea outlet. This will serve the Kosovo economy,” said Limaj.
The Shengjin port is about 90 kilometers north of capital Tirana and about 100 kilometers west of Kosovo.