Integrated Cross-Sectorial Plan of Tirana-Durres Area

Introduction
Albania is an integral part of the economy of
the Balkans and the Mediterranean, a key
country to the development of the Adriatic-
Ionian macro-region and a gateway between
east and west. Tirana-Durres region is one of
the strategic gates for regional development.
The strategic position of this region, with
extensive exit to the Adriatic Sea and the best
international links due to the location of the
main airport of the country, have provided great
opportunities for rapid economic development
of the area.
Concurrently, achieving the historical
aspiration of European integration means
that Tirana-Durres region should be able to
compete as equal with other regions in Europe.
Thus, on one hand the opportunities for
economic development will increase, but
in turn competition with other regions will
intensify, requiring an improvement in the
economic growth of Tirana-Durres area,
posing its next challenge. This is considered
a challenge because Tirana, as the capital
of Albania and as the location of key
administrative, financial and educational
institutions, of the population and businesses,
has been since the beginning the focus of
development of the economy of this region
and an attractive factor for its private
activities. While, Durres with its port services
and proximity to Tirana, has also become
an important location for business and the
population. The road corridor connecting these
two urban centres, has become the economic
centre of the country, evidenced by the high
influx of mobility and presence of various
businesses and services. However, if the
competitive advantage at a national scale has
been very large compared to other regions, at
European level this advantage turns out to be
lesser, and therefore it is necessary to create
a territorial platform on which to base the
development and competition growth with the
surrounding regions.
When Albania began the transition to a free
market economy, it had the lowest level of
income and economic development in Europe.
The development of the country during the 25
years after the fall of communism, based on
the reports of the European Community, shows
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