At a meeting with entrepreneurs from the olive oil processing sector, attended by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla, the Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, and the Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo, concrete measures were discussed to increase wages in agriculture, stimulate investment, ease the tax burden, and expand support schemes. The objective is to raise the quality and standardisation of domestic production, making it competitive in the European Union market.

Over 70 industry representatives have come together in a joint consortium, creating a new cooperation model aimed at reducing costs and increasing profits by strengthening sales and export capacities. This initiative is considered an important step toward consolidating the sector and will be supported by local and central institutions through dedicated development policies.

 

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Prime Minister Edi Rama:

Thank you very much for the hospitality in this oasis of success created by Mr Demo.

It is true because in a country and in an environment where truth is torn apart from morning to evening, and where rumours, lies, and half-truths circulate constantly, speaking the truth often feels like a challenge. In fact, a friend told me, “Be careful, because you sound arrogant when you say that Albania today has less corruption than before and that corruption has never been fought as strongly as it is now.”

This is the truth, and I am ready to face anyone as long as we speak in terms of facts. When the discussion shifts into empty talk meant only to cloud reality, things become more difficult.

The transformation of Berat thanks to Ervin is real. This is not proven simply by the fact that Ervin became a minister, although that too is a fact. It is demonstrated by another fact I often highlight: Berat is a part of Albania where more people return from abroad than leave.

Why do people return to Berat? Because today, Berat offers opportunities. With work, people can make use of an old house in the castle or land in the countryside and earn more than they would working for someone else abroad.

Speaking of this “oasis of success,” I know this phrase will be turned into a headline, so I will repeat it: this initiative is indeed a success. And yes, I agree, you are late, very late, but that does not matter. What matters is that a strong and exemplary model has finally been created, proving that unity is strength.

When it comes to production, you can operate individually. But in sales, the more you unite, the more profit you will take home.

You are over 70 producers of olive oil. If each of you sells individually in 70 different shops, you are weaker in sales, costs are higher, and you have less power to negotiate prices with buyers. This makes it easier for exporters to purchase your oil cheaply.

By creating this consortium, and I strongly hope others will join because they will have no other option, you reduce costs, create critical mass for negotiations, and export or sell locally at prices that generate real added value.

In practice, challenges will exist, but we will firmly support such initiatives. You have already begun building the final processing point here. As the saying goes, “appetite comes with eating,” and you will want to expand further.

This is why we have established special support for what we call United Agricultural Companies, which are essentially capitalist cooperatives. Under the leadership of the minister, we are developing a national programme called “Double Your Enterprise,” designed to provide financing for those who want to grow with a clear plan and a solid project.

This success is also tied to the municipality, which has actively supported the consortium. This is the model we want to strengthen. This is why Ervin came to Tirana as Minister of Local Government, to promote entrepreneurial municipalities and encourage local governments to move toward entrepreneurship.

Regarding fuel, it has been a separate challenge for agriculture. We explored multiple options, and the conclusion is simple: we now have more money for agriculture than before, but not enough to spend it without direction. Every euro spent must create added value for those who truly produce or process, through mechanisms such as the 10% VAT refund.

Previously, more than 60,000 beneficiaries received fuel. But we know that the real number of productive farmers and processing bases is far lower. Therefore, support has not been removed for those who need it; rather, the opportunity for abuse has been removed. Previously, fuel was allocated based on land ownership, not on who actually worked the land, which led to misuse.

This change will not reduce production. Experience has shown that genuine producers have continued to grow regardless.

We are also seeing progress in formalisation, which will increase access to state support and EU funding. Joining the European Union is essential, but it also brings serious challenges, particularly in food safety. Once we are part of the EU, products that do not meet safety standards cannot be sold either in Europe or here at home.

A recent EU inspection identified around 900 facilities related to livestock, dairy, and meat processing. Some need improvements to meet standards, others require major investments, and some should be removed from the list altogether.

Albanians have proven adaptability, and I believe they will overcome this challenge. But preparations must begin now. Anyone invested in this sector must understand what the EU requires, because failing to meet standards means losing market access.

Olive oil is one of the most sought-after and valued products, and Albania has a positive reputation in this field. The challenge now is to increase added value by improving how we unite, collect, package, promote, and market olive oil.

I started by mentioning Mr. Demo, and I will conclude with him. He told me he is working on a space in the city where your oil will be promoted as an “experience product.” Berat is not just a city. Berat is an experience. Cities are many, but true experiences are few. The idea is simple: if you want to live an experience, come to Berat. And tomorrow this could mean: “If you want to rise, start from Berat.”

Thank you very much for this meeting.

If you have any concerns or questions before we leave, please share them.