TIRANA, Nov 9 /ATA/ Ministry of Economy and Innovation has proposed a 42 billion lek budget for 2027, including 10.5 billion lek for vocational education, entrepreneurship and innovation, with 600 million lek earmarked for start-ups, Minister Delina Ibrahimaj told a parliamentary committee.
Investment in vocational schools is expected to total 1.22 billion lek, including 742 million lek from the state budget and 480 million lek provided through cooperation with Germany’s KfW development bank, she said.
According to Ibrahimaj, funding will be directed towards ongoing projects at several vocational schools, including Pavarësia in Vlora, with 158 million lek allocated, Karl Gega in Tirana, receiving more than 114 million lek, and Korça Technical School, allocated 87 million lek.
Additional works are planned at schools in Shkodra, Lushnja, Kukës and Pogradec, while new investment projects are set to be launched in Fier and Tirana.
A further 68.8 million lek has been earmarked for equipping vocational schools with laboratories, machinery and teaching materials, with the aim of strengthening practical training and expanding cooperation with businesses, particularly through the dual education system, Ibrahimaj said.
The minister added that 168 million lek would be invested in infrastructure for employment and vocational training services.
Among the main projects are the Hermann Gmeiner Multifunctional Centre, allocated 80 million lek, and the Vocational Training Centre campus, which will receive 45.8 million lek, Ibrahimaj said.
Funding for entrepreneurship and innovation is set to reach 1.64 billion lek in 2027, including 600 million lek for start-ups, with around 170 beneficiaries expected to receive support, the minister added.
Ibrahimaj said the start-up support scheme received 1,219 applications in 2026, with 163 start-ups securing funding and 42 products reaching the market.
She also announced plans to expand the TUMO model beyond Tirana, with 160.7 million lek allocated to broaden young people’s access to technology education and digital skills development.
A further 100 million lek has been earmarked for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to support production modernisation, improved standards and product certification. Ibrahimaj said the scheme attracted 280 applications in 2026, with 62 businesses selected to receive funding.
The 2027 budget also includes 25 million lek for a new Research Laboratory and Experimental Winery, to be established in cooperation with the Agricultural University of Tirana, and 124.9 million lek to promote investment and exports, with targets including attracting potential investors, organising promotional events and securing cooperation agreements.
Ibrahimaj said the 2027 budget would also support Albania’s preparations for integration into the EU single market, including the adoption of 2,578 additional European standards and the provision of at least 43,000 metrology services. Funding has also been earmarked for laboratory equipment, trade facilitation and the modernisation of the National Business Centre’s electronic services and Commercial Register. The plans include continued cooperation with the World Bank and InfoCamere, 46 million lek for the National Economic Chamber and an expansion of the unit overseeing concession and public-private partnership reforms from 12 to 30 employees.
Ibrahimaj said the planned investments and reforms aim to boost the competitiveness of Albania’s economy, improve the business climate and prepare companies to meet European market standards.
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