ECONOMIC FORUM: “Strategic Connectivity and Regional Economic Growth: The Economic Potential of Corridor VIII”

This event carries out an assessment of the outputs and results of the Ministerial Forum of Corridor VIII.

 

Organiser: Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania

Venue: Bank of Albania (former Hotel Dajti)

Arrival of participants and registration: 11:00

 

PANEL I: From Political Vision to a European Priority for Economic Development

11:30 – 12:20

This panel sets out the political and strategic framework of the Forum, addressing Corridor VIII as a key instrument for European integration, economic development, and regional stability. The discussion focuses on the repositioning of Corridor VIII within the TEN-T architecture and on the strategic challenge of transitioning from a politically significant concept into a fully-fledged European priority for planning, financing, and implementation.

The panel analyses Albania’s role as a key East–West hub and Adriatic gateway, as well as the contribution of Corridor VIII to the implementation of the National Strategy for Development and Integration 2022–2030, the Economic and Investment Plan for WB6, and the Berlin Process. A specific dimension of the discussion is devoted to the geopolitical and security importance of this corridor, as a horizontal axis linking NATO member states and strengthening the strategic resilience of Southeast Europe in a context of increased global uncertainties.

Panelists:

 

• Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of Economy and Innovation
• Muhamet Hoxha, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning
• Endrit Yzeiraj, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance (Panelist and Moderator)
• Natasha Ahmetaj, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania
• Ines Mucostepa, President of Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Albania
• Riccardo Mariano, SACE
• Roi Matis Shaposhnik, Albania Data Centre

 

Coffee Break & Panel Changeover

PANEL II: Corridor VIII as a Catalyst for Sustainable Connectivity and Green Growth

12:35 – 13:30

This panel analyses how multimodal infrastructure (roads, railways, ports, intermodal hubs) and sustainable logistics along Corridor VIII create long-term economic value, enhance regional competitiveness, and contribute to the EU’s green objectives.

The panel positions transport not as an end in itself, but as a platform for industrial, commercial, and territorial development, in line with the Green Deal and TEN-T standards. Transport and logistics along Corridor VIII are concrete mechanisms for economic growth, territorial cohesion, and green transition, linking economic competitiveness with climate sustainability and making Corridor VIII a corridor of Europe’s future.

Panelists:

 

• Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Arian Jaupllari
• Emiriana Sako, Mayor of Durrës
• Valbon Limani, Mayor of Gostivar, North Macedonia
• Ardita Kuci, Director of AZHBR
• Musa Xhaferri, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, North Macedonia
• Davide Rogai, Chairman of Confindustria Albania
• Alberto Grazia / Mr. Gabriele Alessandrello Todini Costruzioni Generali S.p.A.

 

Break & Panel Changeover

 

REMARKS FROM THE MINISTERIAL FORUM – CORRIDOR VIII

14:15–14:30

SPEAKER: Ms. Elisa Spiropali, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

PANEL III: Geopolitical Dimension of Corridor VIII – Key Takeaways from the Ministerial Forum

14:30 – 15:20

This panel addresses Corridor VIII as a strategic security asset for Southeast Europe, analysing its role in strengthening regional stability, strategic resilience, and the secure mobility of goods, energy, and people. The discussion focuses on Corridor VIII as a NATO–EU horizontal axis, the

 

protection of critical infrastructure, and the importance of civil–military and institutional coordination in the face of geopolitical risks and emerging security crises.

Panelists:

 

• Megi Fino, Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Moderator and Panelist)
• Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania
• Nikolay Pavlov, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Blerina Abrazhda, Deputy Minister of Defense
• Dragoș C. L. Preda, Vice President of ActiveWatch; Former State Secretary for Telecommunications, Government of Romania
• Kaltrina Zekolli, Deputy Minister of Transport and Mobility, North Macedonia
• Grant Van Cleve, President of the American Chamber of Commerce

 

Coffee Break & Panel Changeover

 

PANEL IV: Financing Corridor VIII: Mobilising European and International Instruments for Corridor VIII: From Strategic Priorities to Bankable Projects

15:20 – 16:00

This panel aims to examine how European and international financing instruments can be mobilised and coordinated effectively to accelerate the implementation of priority infrastructure projects along Corridor VIII.

It will focus on overcoming the gap between strategic political commitments and concrete, bankable investments, ensuring that Corridor VIII evolves into a fully functional, resilient, and multimodal corridor in line with EU enlargement priorities, TEN-T objectives, and regional economic development goals.

Moderator:

•  Ardian Hackaj, CDI Institute

 

Panelists:

 

• Eridana Çano, Director General, SASPAC / NIPAC
• Andrea Ferrero, Head of Section for Sustainable Economic and Social Development, Delegation of the European Union to Albania
• Enkelejda Muçaj, Deputy Minister responsible for Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy (TBC)
• Sinisha Ivanovski, Director of Railways, North Macedonia
• Daniel Shekerletov, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria to the European Union
• Piers Vickers, Transport Department, EIB Albania
• Ilir Basha, Associate Director, Infrastructure Europe, EBRD Albania
• Jelena Cukanovic, SIMEST S.p.A.
• Lucia Bonelli, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti

 

Networking / B2B / B2G