The 1st National Forum on Quality and Standards in Albania encourages dialogue on sustainable development

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania organized the First National Forum on Quality and Standards. The event was the first to bring together policy makers, institutions, laboratories, producers and academia to encourage constructive dialogue on the important role of quality and standards for competitiveness, safety and sustainable development.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj emphasized, "increasing the quality and standards of agricultural products remains essential for the sustainable development of agri-food production, the integration of innovation in agriculture, the unification of operators and the realization of the objective of 1 billion USD Albanian exports in 2030".

"Albanian companies need to comply with international and European standards to increase their competitiveness. You cannot enter the European market without first meeting European standards," said Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber.

Dorina Nati, coordinator of the GQSP, highlighted: "In order to stay competitive, small and big producers must conform with international standards, be innovative and follow sustainable business practices. The equation has become more complex”.

The event brought together more than 200 stakeholders and established a forum which will maintain the interlinkage between actors to encourage close collaboration and synergies in the future, supporting Albania on its path towards becoming a full member of the European Union.

The GQSP Albania is part of a global initiative supporting 12 countries around the world to increase competitiveness and promote quality and standards. It is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and financed by Switzerland, through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

For more information, please, contact Ms. Dorina Nati: (d.nati [at] unido.org)