Over the past few years significant progress has been made in bilateral relations between China and Albania. The communist ideological alliance between the two countries, created by the Stalinist dictator Hoxha, following the Sino-Soviet crisis, contributed, between the ’60s and ’80s, to the strong economic development of Albania. To date, the renewed friendship between the two nations has led the PRC to provide 1 million dollars in funding for new investment projects in the Albanian territory (ICE data), as a result of an agreement signed between the local Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Entrepreneurship Arben Ahmetaj and the Chinese Ambassador in Tirana Ye Hau.
There are currently, about eighty Chinese companies operating in the Albanian market as a whole, but they are mostly small to medium sized businesses. “We”, Ahmetaj stated, “would like a greater presence of Chinese companies in Albania, and we, therefore, invite Chinese investors to develop new economic zones primarily on the basis of public-private partnerships”. During the meeting with the Ambassador, the Minister also reiterated the particular interest of Albania to enhance economic cooperation with China and to attract Chinese investment on the spot, especially with regard to infrastructure, thermal energy, nuclear energy and tourism.
To date, one of the major projects in progress, and in which Chinese investments seem to be involved, is the one for the construction and management of the new seaport of Shengjin in the north of the country. The port of Shengjin, the northernmost of the four seaports of Albania, located just 10 miles from the border with Montenegro, is, at present, a stopover of modest proportions. Currently, its quays have a limited length and the accommodation of vessels with a capacity higher than 5,000 tons is, therefore, not yet possible. However, due to the upcoming investments which will be used to improve the docking infrastructure, its size will be, in some years, destined to increase. “It will be a seaport” according to Arben Ahmetaj “that could serve not only Albania, but also Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and the whole region”.
The objective of the project which was presented is to optimize the efficiency of port operations and to develop and enhance the port capacity, upgrading the existing infrastructure. The plan will be divided into three phases. The first one will focus on the development of the new maritime hub thanks to the existing infrastructure and through the further extension of the pier, as well as the creation of a cement factory and the tunnel connecting it to its Terminal. The second and third phase will include the development of the port in the north portion and the construction of a second road tunnel and a third rail tunnel.
It can, thus, be seen how China too is keeping an eye on the compelling economic opportunities in Eastern Europe and the project of the port of Shengjin in Albania could emerge, in these terms, as a key opportunity in China’s attempt to strengthen and expand its economic presence in the Balkans.
(Bologna Office – Linda Tontodonati – 0039(0)51 2750020)
