Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy in Albania, Mr. Patrick Meier, together with Mr. Stephan Joss, National Coordinator of Helvetas in Albania (HSI) and Project Director RisiAlbania, held a meeting with the Mayor of Kolonja, Mr. Erion Isai, during a two-day visit held on 8 and 9 July 2020. Focus was put on the cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), as well as the opportunity to develop tourism in this region.

The visit was organized in the framework of the cooperation between the Municipality of Kolonja and two projects implemented by HSI, namely RisiAlbania and Strong Municipalities, supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The Strong Municipality project works towards improved municipal governance leading to better services for citizens, with a focus on waste management and preschool education.

RisiAlbania aims to generate employment opportunities for young men and women in Albania by supporting private sector growth, market-oriented training provision, and better functioning career intermediation structures. Through these projects, the Swiss government aims to promote sustainable development and employment, thus addressing Goal 8 of the Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations (SDG 8).

Agribusiness contributes about 20% of Albania’s Gross Domestic Product and creates employment for about 40% of the population. It has tremendous potential for employing disadvantaged youth and groups in rural areas. For this reason, since 2013, RisiAlbania supports agribusinesses operating in two sub-sectors: fresh fruits and vegetables, and MAPs. MAPs represent a very important sub-sector for exports and employment in rural areas. According to INSTAT, in 2018 the export of MAPs reached 37 Million Euros, by making it one of largest contributors to agri exports.

During the meeting, Mr. Meier said that ‘This initiative enables young people to diversify their income sources while supporting a traditional Albanian craft ‘.

Currently, RisiAlbania is working closely with three exporters: Biobes, Agro-Map and Bioalba. Agro-Map, based out of ​​Prrenjas, aims to stimulate contract cultivation and the provision of services to farmers – ranging from certified seedlings, to drying service, and agronomic and financial support. Agro-Map have been pioneers in realizing investments in the area of Kolonja thanks to the support of the Municipality. During this period they have managed to contract six young farmers and they are working on establishing an R&D department within the company.

The Municipality of Kolonja recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RisiAlbania, where the Municipality will promote Kolonja as a destination to attract investments in MAPs provided, they offer quality job opportunities for young women and men. With regards to the future, the Mayor of Kolonja emphasised the importance and potential of agritourism for Kolonja district.