For two weeks, from October 20 to November 2, citizens of Tirana will have the opportunity to get a better look and taste of Italy. The two weeks festival will present a variety of business workshops and cultural activities to promote Italian products and culture in Albania.
The event, the first of its kind, has been organized by the Italian Institute of Foreign Trade (ICE) and with the support of the Italian Embassy. It includes presentations from 75 companies and businesses, 45 of which come from Italy and the remaining 30 from Albania. The participants cover 6 different economic sectors such as cosmetics, construction, agro-foods, hotels, wines, and the mining industry. Also, during the two weeks, people will be able to enjoy several concerts, dance shows, and other cultural activities of Italian origin.
The reasons behind the Italian Festival in Albania
Trade or economic reasons alone make this festival important. Italy is the main trading partner of Albania. Italian imports in Albania totaled 827 million Euros in 2007 with an increase of 21% from 2006. Main imports include textiles, machineries, construction materials and equipment, and foods.
Albania exports to Italy reached 533 million Euros in 2007 or 16% more than the previous year. Main exports are textiles, construction materials and minerals.
However, according to the organizers, economics is not the only reason.
“The Albanian consumer is very attracted to “Made in Italy” products. One might say that there’s an infinite, unchangeable love and trust for Italian products in Albania,” say the organizers.
Hence, other than economic ties, the festival will promote a variety of Italian products for the satisfaction of Albania curiosity and interest.
Also, it will be an excellent crash course for consumers for a better shopping culture, the need for important information on the products they buy
The Italian Festival is also a great opportunity for students to lean more about businesses and jobs in the Albanian market and to get in contact with their potential employers of the future
Main activities
The cosmetics sector counts for the biggest number of companies, both Italian and Albanian, in the festival. Activities include technical presentations and demonstrations from Beauty Centers, Esthetic & Wellness Centers, and Perfume Shops. On October 24, there is a seminar planned on cosmetic productions and perfumes, and several presentations from participating companies for the professional use of their products.
Italian cosmetic products make up for 32% of cosmetic imports in Albania, a market that has grown by 460% in the last 7 years.
Citizens are invited to take part in these presentations and become part of different demonstration shows by trying different products and services with special prices. A list of participating business can be found on the festival’s site: www.festivalitalian.com Most of business can easily be found in shopping centers such as Casa Italia and the European Trade Center
Cosmetics is one of the most hit markets by counterfeited products and participation in the festival activities will inform consumers not only on the variety and quality of Italian cosmetic products but also on how to distinguish their originality.
Another activity that holds much interest is the seminar on mineral resources. There is a growing interest over Albania’s natural resources in the recent years. The seminar will present a number of Italian companies interested to invest in the sector. Investments include studying of the land to uncover new mineral deposits, extraction of the minerals and their use in the most efficient ways offered by the present technology. The seminar is planned on October 30-31.
October 27 is reserved for workshops on Hotel internal design for business and tourism purposes.
Another important feature of the festival are the two weeks long activities for the promotion of Italian agro-foods, wines, and Italian culinary traditions.
Supermarket chains such as Conad and Big Market will offer quality Italian products with special prices during the festival. Also, degustation presentations for consumers will be available. Culinary traditions will be provided by many Tirana restaurants that offer Italian cuisine. Restaurants such as “Storia e Sapori” (Rr. Emin Duraku), “Al Brigantino” (Rr. Themistokli Gerdenji, Nr. 3/1 – Pallati 4, next to Romanian Embassy), “Shark” (Rr. Rreshit Collaku, close to M.Shyri), “Mondial” (Rr. Muhamet Gjollesha, 50 m from 21 Dhjetori) and “Rozafa” (Rr. Luigj Gurakuqi) will offer degustation menus with pre-set prices that will include appetizers, first entrees, second entrees, and dessert. The five restaurants above will make for an excellent gastronomic tour for every food lover out there.
Cultural Activities
To assist the Italian Festival for a complete Italian experience in these two weeks, the Italian Institute of Culture in Tirana has organized many activities such as Italian music concerts, dance shows with Italian ballet troops, Italian literature presentations with meetings and debates on Italian culture.
A complete list of activities, dates, and places can be found at www.festivalitalian.com in Albanian and Italian language.
