The trade fair and exhibition sector represents a market worth tens of billions of euros, with approximately 35,000 events per year, and is constantly and rapidly growing. Albania’s integration into the EU and the creation of a stronger and more competitive economy, with the ever-increasing inflow of foreign investments, require the creation of infrastructure and modern multifunctional exhibition centers that serve as platforms for new economic activities and cultural, social and artistic events.
Tirana is preparing to host the largest exhibition center in the Balkans, strategically designed to foster international trade and partnerships and promote development.
The initiative was presented by the Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja on 15 October 2024 at a press conference held in the capital of Albania. The “Expo Albania” project has been defined as one of the “diamonds” in the series of investments that Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) plans to implement.
EXPO Albania will be located on an area of 17,000 m2 on Lake Farka, 7 km from Tirana, and will be connected by a transport network to both the international airport and the centre of the capital. It will host large industrial exhibitions, agricultural fairs, conferences and congresses, also serving as a hub for important sectors of the Albanian economy such as tourism, energy and agriculture. The construction of a hotel and a large parking area is also planned.
The feasibility study of the Tirana Exhibition Center was funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and carried out by the University of Verona in collaboration with Verona Fiere. The study includes a mapping of the macroeconomic context, a business model, a financial, management and operational plan and various recommendations for the realization of EXPO Albania.
The architectural project was developed by a team led by New York-based studio Steven Holl Architects in collaboration with Polish artist Agnieszka Kurant. They created a multifaceted space, incorporating various structures and functional areas to meet different needs and activities.
According to Minister Gonxhja, the creation of this new development hub, which should be inaugurated by 2030, will contribute to increasing employment and will favor not only development and innovation, but also foreign investment.
During the conference, Gonxhja also spoke about another AIC initiative, the new science and technology park “Durana Technopark”, which will be built on an initial area of over 140,000 m2 near Durres. This is an innovative project in the panorama of Albanian science, technology and entrepreneurship, designed to offer multiple incentives to digital nomads and IT companies in the economic, fiscal and bureaucratic fields.
