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Gonxhja: “EXPO Albania” trade fair destination, Tirana to establish itself as a regional leader

TIRANA, April 25 /ATA/ Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, stated on Thursday that “EXPO Albania” will be a destination for organizing trade fairs, expositions, exhibitions of art, culture, history, conferences and various meetings, launching a new offer for “Albania 2030.”

During the event as part of the final of the international competition for the “EXPO ALBANIA” project, where 5 teams of notable architects in the realm of contemporary architecture, selected among nearly 60 competitors from all over the world, will present their concept ideas for a necessary multi-functional center at this new stage of Albania’s development, Gonxhja asserted the aspiration of turning Albania into a regional leader in organization of trade fairs, expositions, conferences and meetings.

“Tirana has undergone an extraordinary transformation in recent years, which is a turning point and a source of hope for Albanian language speakers and partners, a shining example in the history of development not only of our country, but also of the Balkans, in terms of diversity, economic development, cultures , religious tolerance, but also in terms of a hunger for development, innovation, for a market that is characterized by dynamic entrepreneurs in a lively capital city when it comes to the desire to blaze trails and broaden the horizons,” the minister said.

This, he emphasized, is another proof of our desire to move forward.

Minister Gonxhja said that “EXPO Albania” will fill the void in Tirana, which has no destination to establish itself as a regional leader for organization of trade fairs, activities and large events that attract a wide audience.

“It will also offer space for tourism, as it will host cultural and artistic activities such as biennales, artistic or architecture pavilions, which are missing from our calendar or are often organized in restricted spaces,” he said.

Minister Gonxhja also cited some figures that show the impact of this trade fair centre on economy.

“The World Association of the Exhibition Industry reported in 2018, 32,000 exhibitions that attracted 300 million visitors and 5 million exhibitors, in 180 countries worldwide. The economic impact that this sector has generated is estimated at 350 billion euros in income. We are talking about an extraordinary potential if we make our way in the annual chain of activities, which is our aim,” Minister Gonxhja said.