Ibrahimaj: Durana is a European model for developing innovation and attracting investments in technology
During the interpellation held in the Parliament, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, responded to questions and claims raised by the opposition regarding the Durana Technology and Science Park, emphasizing that the model followed by Albania is based on consolidated and widely used practices in European Union countries.
Minister Ibrahimaj underlined that this is the second time that the government has provided detailed clarifications on Durana, providing complete information on the legality of the model, the park's users, the limits of fiscal benefits and its operating mechanisms.
According to her, the accusations that Durana constitutes a "tax haven" are unfounded and not based on facts. She emphasized that transparency towards citizens, entrepreneurs, students and investors remains a priority, while clarifications on this project are important for all those who want to understand the potential of the knowledge economy in Albania.
"Durana is not an ordinary project. It is not just a building or a fiscal regime. It represents our vision to make Albania a competitive economy in the region and in the European Union, in the information technology and innovation sector," the minister said.
Ibrahimaj emphasized that the government has chosen to invest in technology, innovation and scientific research as the main engines of the economy of the future. According to her, the law on technology parks was drafted to create competitive conditions that attract foreign investments, develop human capital and create new opportunities for young Albanians.
Responding to claims that Durana's model is unprecedented, the minister brought concrete examples from European Union countries, such as Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Portugal and other countries, which apply fiscal schemes and support instruments for research, development and innovation.
She emphasized that the European Union itself has economic and technological zones that use the same logic of creating competitive conditions for attracting investment and developing high value-added activities.
Regarding claims that Durana creates a preferential fiscal regime in violation of international standards, the minister explained that access to the park is open to any entity that meets the legal criteria and that the benefits are related to the nature of the activity and not to the identity of the companies.
"The law does not favor certain companies. It supports scientific research, innovation, technological development and the creation of new products and services. Fiscal benefits are linked to real economic activity and not to artificial structures," Ibrahimaj declared.
The minister also rejected claims that the law conflicts with OECD standards or European directives against tax avoidance, emphasizing that Durana's model is built on the principles of transparency, economic substance, and real activity.
According to her, the possibility of public entities participating in the capital of innovative companies is not an unusual practice, as similar models are used in many European countries to support entrepreneurship and the development of products of public interest.
An important part of the interpellation was also dedicated to investments in data centers and the protection of personal data. The Minister emphasized that Albania has aligned its legislation with the European GDPR regulation and that investments in digital infrastructure constitute a strategic opportunity for the country's economic and technological development.
Presenting the concrete results of the park, Ibrahimaj announced that during the period January-June 2026 alone, 42 new entities have expressed interest in becoming part of Durana, of which 28 have been approved as park users and 11 others are in the process of finalizing contracts.
Currently, Durana has 82 active residents, about half of whom are international companies and entities. The new residents represent a combined turnover of around 12 million euros per year, while the total turnover of active residents is expected to reach 42.6 million euros during 2026.
The Minister also emphasized the impact on employment, noting that by the end of 2025, resident companies employed 220 professionals, while according to development plans, this number is expected to reach 550 employees in 2027.
In conclusion, Ibrahimaj stated that the debate on Durana should not be seen only as a debate about a technological park, but as a debate about the economic model that Albania wants to build.
"Development does not come by waiting. Development does not come by talking; development comes by investing. We have chosen to invest in knowledge, innovation and Albanian talent. Durana is an important step in this direction and an investment for the future of Albania", concluded the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj.
Dervishi demands advanced treatment for candidate countries - European Commission evaluates Albania's reforms
The Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection, Besnik Dervishi, raised at the European level the issue of the status of......
Air Bnb with big profits in Europe/ Where does Tirana rank? 63% occupancy rate and over 3,700 apartments make the capital an attractive market
Tirana is increasingly attracting the attention of investors interested in the short-term rental market. The Albanian capital ranks 68th among 100 European......
Blue Corridor axes roads will be built with PPP - Karakaçi: Thumane-Kashar Highway, a success story
All road axes, part of the Blue Corridor, will be built through Public Private Partnership, emphasized the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea......
EU and government evaluate reforms with European funding - Albania has so far benefited from 213 million euros from the Growth Plan
The European Union and the Albanian Government held two annual monitoring meetings in Tirana, where the progress of reforms and projects financed by the EU......
"Complete scientific analysis of the impact on the environment" - Minister Jaupaj on Zvërnec: The law does not prohibit it, it sets conditions
The project to be presented for the development of the protected area of Pishe-Poro-Narte will be subject to an in-depth analysis of its impact on the......
Elbasan Bypass, bidding phase closes without complaints - ARRSH towards evaluating proposals for the first 2 lots worth 5.8 billion lek
The tender procedures for the construction of the first two lots of the Elbasan bypass have advanced to the bid review phase, as the deadline for their......
EU assesses Albania's progress in implementing reforms and pre-accession funds
The European Union has positively assessed Albania's progress in implementing reforms and using pre-accession funds, during two monitoring meetings held in......
Hoxha in Bulgaria: EU enlargement is a strategic investment, Albania aims for membership in 2030
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, during a visit to Bulgaria, participated in a panel discussion organized by the European Council on......
