The data center will be developed with an initial capacity of 32 megawatts, with the potential to expand to 100 megawatts, a scale that would place it among the region’s leading digital infrastructures. The facility is designed to support advanced data processing and artificial intelligence applications, leveraging Nvidia technologies for high-performance computing systems.

The initiative comes amid rapidly growing global demand for digital infrastructure, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced digital services. According to preliminary reports, the center has already attracted interest from both private and institutional clients, including local technology companies, European data storage operators, and government entities.

ADC is jointly owned by Happy Technologies, which holds an 80% stake, and data center consulting firm DIT, which owns the remaining 20%. Happy Technologies is a cybersecurity and computing company controlled by entrepreneurs Roi Shaposhnik, Noam Frank, Shlomi Avni and Itai Melchior. DIT is led by industry experts Zvika Friedman, Nir Poltorak and Dan Carmi, all of whom bring extensive experience in the development and management of data center infrastructures. Source: globes

One of the project’s distinguishing features is its energy profile. The facility will be primarily powered by locally generated hydroelectric energy, enhancing its appeal to international operators increasingly focused on sustainable and low-emission solutions. To ensure energy reliability, plans also include the construction of a dedicated electrical substation.

From a regulatory standpoint, the project benefited from an accelerated approval process. Albanian authorities granted construction permits in a notably short timeframe, highlighting the strategic importance of the infrastructure for technological development and foreign investment attraction. Albania, a NATO member and candidate country for European Union membership, is seeking to strengthen its digital competitiveness and enhance the security of its national IT infrastructure.

Financially, ADC has secured support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which will provide a credit facility covering approximately 75% of the total investment. The involvement of the multilateral institution further strengthens the project’s credibility and its potential impact on the regional economic landscape.

The investment also contributes to strengthening technological cooperation between Israel and Albania, which has intensified in recent years, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure protection. The construction of the data center is expected to generate positive spillover effects, including the creation of high-skilled jobs, the development of the local IT sector, and the strengthening of the country’s digital sovereignty.

Through this project, Tirana aims to integrate more firmly into the European network of digital infrastructures, leveraging its strategic geographic location, renewable energy resources, and international partnerships to support the growth of its technology-driven economy.

L'articolo ADC to Build Albania’s First Data Center: €100 Million Investment to Create a Balkan Digital Hub proviene da Albania Economia.

The financial support was approved after Albania successfully completed more than half of the reform benchmarks required under the European plan, achieving progress in key areas including digital transformation, energy transition, economic competitiveness, and institutional strengthening.

The EU Growth Plan aims to accelerate economic convergence between Western Balkan countries and European Union standards by promoting infrastructure development, public administration modernization, and improved investment conditions.

Economic analysts believe the new funding will support strategic projects in energy infrastructure, digital development, and business environment reforms, ultimately strengthening Albania’s competitiveness and improving integration with European markets.

The EU’s financial support also carries strong political significance, reinforcing Albania’s accession path and strengthening the country’s position as a reliable economic partner within the Balkan region.

Sources: European Commission – Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

L'articolo EU Releases €99 Million to Support Albania’s Economic Reforms and Development proviene da Albania Economia.

Albania is preparing to take a major strategic step in the energy sector through an ambitious international project involving Italy and the United Arab Emirates. The three countries have signed a cooperation agreement to develop a subsea electricity interconnection across the Adriatic Sea, with an estimated investment exceeding €1 billion and the goal of exporting renewable energy generated in Albania to the Italian market.

The Project: Green Energy from Albania to Italy

The initiative includes the construction of a high-voltage subsea cable connecting the Albanian port city of Vlora to Italy’s Apulia region, along one of the shortest routes across the Adriatic Sea. The infrastructure is expected to become operational within the next few years and represents a key element of trilateral energy cooperation, supporting regional energy security and accelerating the transition toward sustainable power generation.

In parallel, the project also предусматри the development of approximately 3 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity in Albania, with a significant share of the electricity intended for export. The initiative aligns with Albania’s national strategy to strengthen its role as a regional producer and exporter of green energy, leveraging natural resources and foreign investment.

The Role of International Investors

The project is being developed under a trilateral strategic partnership involving major industrial energy players. Key participants include Italian energy company Eni, UAE-based renewable energy leader Masdar, and TAQA Transmission, a company specialized in large-scale electricity transmission infrastructure.

Under preliminary agreements, Eni could act as a major off-taker of renewable electricity produced in Albania, helping establish a new integrated energy market between the two sides of the Adriatic Sea.

Economic Impact and Opportunities for Albania

Albania’s electricity system currently relies heavily on hydropower, which covers most domestic production but leaves the country vulnerable to climate-related fluctuations. Expanding into solar and wind energy, combined with the new interconnection with Italy, could reduce dependence on energy imports and potentially transform Albania into a net electricity exporter in the coming years.

According to industry analysts, growing energy demand in Italy — driven by industrial expansion, the rapid growth of data centers, and the increasing adoption of electric mobility — is expected to enhance the strategic value of the subsea interconnection, creating new commercial opportunities for Albania while strengthening Mediterranean energy cooperation.

A Key Step in European Energy Diplomacy

The project forms part of a broader international effort to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the transition toward sustainable power sources. It also represents an important milestone in Albania’s economic integration with European energy markets and reinforces the country’s position as a regional energy hub.

The agreement and its strategic objectives were confirmed by official statements from the Albanian government and international partners, as reported by ANSA

L'articolo Albania Moves Toward Energy Hub Role with Over €1 Billion Subsea Cable Project Linking Italy and UAE proviene da Albania Economia.

The expansion of the tourism sector is generating significant spillover effects across multiple industries, including construction, real estate, hospitality, and transportation. Coastal destinations such as Vlora, Saranda, and the Ionian Riviera continue to attract both international visitors and foreign investors, leading to the development of new hospitality and luxury tourism projects.

The growth in visitor numbers has been supported by improved air connectivity, the expansion of low-cost airline routes, and increasing demand from European travelers seeking alternative Mediterranean destinations.

Industry experts emphasize that tourism is contributing significantly to GDP growth, employment creation, and the development of new infrastructure projects, further enhancing Albania’s international investment appeal, particularly in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

Growth projections suggest the tourism industry will continue expanding in the coming years, supported by infrastructure improvements and increased international promotion of Albania as a competitive travel destination.

Sources: Albanian Ministry of Tourism, European hospitality industry reports

L'articolo Tourism Boom Drives Albania’s Economic Expansion with Record 12 Million Visitors proviene da Albania Economia.

Let’s be honest, Stavri — how many people still think of Albania as just a “low-cost destination”?

Too many, unfortunately. But the truth is, that stereotype is becoming their problem, not ours. Those who still think only in terms of wage arbitrage are missing what’s really happening here.
Albania’s ICT sector has matured. We now have software houses working on complex architectures, QA teams managing automated testing pipelines, and analysts who dive deep into clients’ business processes. We’re no longer in the body-shop phase of providing interchangeable resources — we’ve entered the stage of real engineering value. The challenge, however, is that this transformation is still too fragmented. Each company is growing well, but in silos. The next step is to coordinate this scattered potential into a unified, system-level offering that can stand out on international markets.

For a few months now, you have been coordinating the ICT & BPO groups for both the Camera di Commercio Italiana in Albania and Confindustria Albania. What does this mean in practical terms?

It means trying to turn what I just said into reality: transforming individual expertise into collective capability.
The role isn’t representative in the formal sense — it’s operational. Every week I speak with entrepreneurs from the sector, gather feedback, and map both skills and gaps. And the same pattern keeps emerging: Albania has everything it takes to position itself as a high-quality player in the Mediterranean, but it needs to stop telling its story company by company.
Yes, we’re small — but that’s exactly why we can be fast, interconnected, and pragmatic. If we start moving as a network — sharing clients, expertise, and visibility — we become a serious partner for those looking for a reliable tech ally, not a disposable supplier.
For me, that’s the real turning point: shifting from a local industry to an internationally recognized ecosystem. Not because of size, but because of a coherent offering and a shared reputation.

Let’s talk numbers. how much do the ICT and BPO sectors actually contribute to Albania’s economy today?

Over 40,000 professionals employed. More than 3,000 active companies, many of them integrated into global supply chains — Apple, Vodafone, Lufthansa, Deloitte.
We rank first in Central and Eastern Europe for computer science graduates per capita. About 6.7% of Albanian university students study ICT-related disciplines. We have a young, multilingual workforce with a strong STEM foundation.
But the most interesting figure isn’t quantitative — it’s qualitative. More and more Albanian companies aren’t just executing specifications anymore. They’re co-designing solutions, contributing to system architecture, and proposing optimizations. This means we’re shifting from labor arbitrage to genuine knowledge work.
And that, in my view, is what marks the maturity of an ecosystem: not how many developers you have, but how much strategic value they’re able to create.

Europe has a structural problem: it lacks digital specialists, and operational costs are becoming unsustainable. Where does Albania fit into this picture?

As a natural integration partner, not as a fallback option.
Europe won’t close its tech skills gap through reskilling programs or qualified immigration alone. What’s needed are complementary ecosystems — geographically and culturally close — that can absorb part of the technical workload without causing operational discontinuities.
Albania offers exactly that: the same time zones, aligned educational standards, linguistic fluency, and the ability to integrate into European teams seamlessly. We don’t replace local resources; we work alongside them. We enable European companies to scale their engineering capacity without having to build it from scratch internally.
It’s the same model that has worked between the United States and Latin America. We are becoming Europe’s natural nearshore partner for tech — not by imitation, but because all the structural conditions are already in place: proximity, expertise, and cultural compatibility.

Today, the global market no longer looks for mere executors. It seeks partners capable of solving complex problems. Is Albania ready for this leap?

Some companies are already making this leap. Armundia Factory, for example.
We collaborate with MAIOR, a global leader in software solutions for smart mobility and public transport planning. We don’t just perform QA on their request: we are fully integrated into their automated testing workflows, contribute to platform development, and add value in deployment and continuous integration processes.
The same applies in the insurance sector: we support a leading international company with portfolio management, policy renewals, and data governance. This isn’t simple data entry — it’s data quality control, process validation, and workflow optimization.
These projects show that Albania doesn’t just export resources. It exports expertise, methodology, and strategic thinking capability. But the point is, this shouldn’t remain the privilege of a few standout companies. It needs to become the standard offering of the entire ecosystem.
And achieving that requires genuine collaboration, not just formal networking.

What do you mean by “true collaboration”?

I mean building shared infrastructures. A permanent operational table, open to all ICT and BPO companies — regardless of association membership — to jointly define communication strategies, internationalization plans, and advocacy policies.
We cannot keep competing among ourselves for the same European clients while Asian or Latin American players present themselves as united ecosystems. We need to learn to operate as a system: sharing best practices, mapping complementary skills, and building a collective reputation that precedes us.
This is the key to our next growth phase: moving from a sum of individual companies to a recognizable industrial identity. Only then can we attract structural investments, build trust with European decision-makers, and truly influence global value chains.
The future of ICT and BPO in Albania won’t be written by a single company — not even mine. It will be written by an ecosystem that consciously chooses to move forward together.

L'articolo The Technological Albania That Europe Doesn’t Expect proviene da Albania Economia.

From Trentino to the international market: how did Xlam Dolomiti come to life, and what path led you to become a benchmark in timber construction?

Xlam Dolomiti was founded from the vision of the Paterno family to enter the world of timber construction. It began with the acquisition of a company already active in the sector and later with the creation of Italy’s largest Xlam/CLT production facility. Since 2012, when the first CE-marked panel left the production line, Xlam Dolomiti has steadily expanded its market presence. The company has evolved from a simple manufacturer and supplier of structural materials into a fully integrated construction firm specializing in timber structures, as well as hybrid and prefabricated solutions using innovative materials.

Your expansion into Tirana comes at a time when Albania is becoming increasingly attractive to international investors. How much of this decision is tied to the country itself, and how much to its position as a gateway to the Balkans?

We arrived in Albania after gaining experience in several neighboring countries. The Tirana office was the first to have one of our Italian managers on-site to organize and train our local team. The growing attention from foreign investors certainly influenced our decision, but it was only one of many factors we considered. Another key aspect is the high level of technical competence among young Albanian professionals, particularly in the design software we also use in Italy.

The construction market here is dynamic but still deeply rooted in traditional methods. How can your timber-based approach change the rules of the game?

This is one of our main challenges. The local market will not be easy to penetrate, but our goal is to establish a solid reference point in the Balkans. We plan to start local initiatives to identify the right project—one that will allow us to deliver the first shipment of Xlam/CLT panels to the peninsula.

Albania is a seismic country. How can timber construction offer advantages over traditional methods?

As in Italy, this is a major advantage for us. Timber structures are significantly lighter, and thanks to metal connectors, they are able to dissipate seismic energy efficiently through the foundations. From this perspective, we hold a clear competitive advantage.

From Italy’s tallest timber building to large university campuses in Australia, what lessons from your international experience will guide your expansion in the Balkans?

One key lesson is the importance of supporting clients from the earliest design stages. Working closely together allows us to achieve optimized results on every level. Our international projects have strengthened our technical know-how, increased our competitiveness, and shown us that there are truly no limits to what can be achieved.

During the inauguration of your Tirana office, you welcomed the Italian Ambassador to Albania, Marco Alberti, along with local partners. How is your Albanian team taking shape, and what role will it play in strengthening Xlam Dolomiti’s regional presence?

The Tirana office is fundamental. It is first and foremost a new workspace for our young professionals, who experience it daily, but it will also serve as a meeting point for potential clients and investors interested in learning more about our technology. It represents the first and most important step toward establishing a strong presence in this market.

L'articolo From the Dolomites to the Balkans: building sustainably with Italian wood proviene da Albania Economia.

Economic expansion is being driven primarily by the services sector, the construction industry, and increasing domestic consumption. Inflation remains under control, while public debt has shown signs of gradual reduction, strengthening the country’s macroeconomic stability.

The labor market has also shown steady improvement, with rising employment levels and wage growth contributing to stronger internal demand and overall economic activity.

International analysts highlight Albania as one of the most dynamic emerging economies in Southeast Europe, supported by growing foreign direct investment, fiscal stability, and gradual integration with European markets.

Despite the positive outlook, structural challenges remain, including the need to improve productivity levels and further diversify the national economy. However, continued infrastructure development and investment reforms are expected to support Albania’s long-term growth trajectory.

Sources: World Bank – Western Balkans Economic Outlook

L'articolo Albania’s Economy Shows Strong Momentum as World Bank Upgrades Growth Forecast proviene da Albania Economia.

Aina Hoti is the founder of Swiss Albania Event and a passionate advocate dedicated to preserving Albanian heritage and fostering community pride among Albanians living outside their homeland. Through cultural events, exhibitions, and initiatives, she creates bridges that connect the diaspora to its roots, showcasing the richness of Albanian art, music, and traditions on an international stage.

In this interview, Aina shares insights into her motivations, her vision for the future, and the vital role of younger generations in keeping Albanian culture alive abroad. The conversation also highlights her commitment to empowering Albanian women, building networks, and inspiring positive change within the diaspora community.

You’ve made remarkable contributions to promoting Albanian culture, art, and traditions while also focusing on empowering women in the diaspora. What would you say has been the driving force behind your passion for cultural exchange and your commitment to Albanian traditions in Switzerland?

The driving force has always been my love for Albanian roots and the belief that our culture is an inexhaustible treasure. Living in the diaspora made me realize how essential it is to preserve our identity and build bridges with our homeland. My passion stems from the desire to showcase our cultural richness to the world and create spaces where Albanians feel proud of who they are.

As the founder of Swiss Albania Event, how would you define the mission of your organization in fostering a stronger Albanian cultural presence in Switzerland? How do these events help showcase Albanian art, music, and heritage?

Our mission is to create a platform where Albanian culture is presented with dignity and professional standards, making it accessible to a wider audience. From concerts to exhibitions and traditional celebrations, our events not only bring joy and pride to the community but also act as bridges between cultures, highlighting Albanian art and traditions in an international context.

What are some of the most memorable moments for you through these cultural events, and how have these experiences shaped your future vision for Swiss Albania Event?

One of the most unforgettable moments was the presentation of the Xhubleta in Lausanne, marking its first anniversary as part of UNESCO’s intangible heritage. It was a powerful event where history and tradition were brought onto an international stage. I felt deeply proud to showcase such a strong symbol of Albanian identity to a Swiss audience. That experience reinforced my vision that Swiss Albania Event must continue creating projects that preserve our culture while making it visible and respected everywhere.

How do you perceive the engagement of younger Albanian generations in the diaspora when it comes to preserving and promoting Albanian traditions? Are they actively involved in cultural activities and events organized by Swiss Albania Event?

Younger generations are increasingly showing interest. They are curious to learn about traditions but also want to see them presented in modern, creative ways. Many of them volunteer or actively participate in our activities. This intergenerational collaboration is key to preserving and strengthening our cultural identity.

You’ve just launched an exciting project for Winter 2025, an exhibition dedicated to the legendary Albanian singer-songwriter Francesk Radi. Can you share more about this special initiative and what it represents for the Albanian community in Switzerland?

The Francesk Radi exhibition was made possible thanks to the trust given to me by Mrs. Tefta Radi and in collaboration with Elian Stefa. For me, it’s more than just an exhibition, it’s a journey together with Francesk into the diaspora through his music. It represents keeping his memory alive while inspiring our community with his art and legacy.

Your passion for personal development and well-being is evident from your online presence. How do you integrate these principles into your cultural work and community engagement?

For me, culture and personal development go hand in hand. Every activity we organize is not only a space to celebrate tradition but also an opportunity to nurture self-confidence, collaboration, and harmony among people. I believe that when individuals are empowered, the whole community becomes stronger.

In your opinion, what is the future of tourism in Albania, especially considering the current trends and interest from international travelers? Do you believe there is growing interest among Swiss visitors to explore Albania?

Albania is increasingly emerging as a preferred destination. Our untouched nature, warm hospitality, and unique gastronomy are being discovered by Swiss travelers and beyond. I believe this interest will continue to grow, especially with the promotion of cultural and sustainable tourism.

There has been increasing attention to investment opportunities in Albania. Do you think there is a positive shift towards attracting diaspora investments, and how do you see this contributing to Albania’s future growth?

Yes, there is definitely a positive shift. The Albanian diaspora is becoming more aware of the country’s potential and sees Albania as an opportunity to contribute not only financially but also with expertise and know-how. This combination is a powerful asset that will directly impact Albania’s economic and social development.

What advice would you give to young Albanian women starting their careers abroad, especially those looking to make an impact through cultural and community-driven projects?

My advice is: don’t be afraid to dream big and step outside your comfort zone. Stay true to your identity and use culture as a strength to build meaningful connections. Work with passion, vision, and integrity, these are the values that will help you make a lasting impact wherever you are.

Looking forward to the upcoming Women’s Summit in December, what do you hope attendees will take away from the event, and how do you envision it influencing the future of Albanian women in the diaspora?

The Women’s Summit is more than just an event; it has created a strong network that unites and promotes the values of Albanian women in the diaspora. It follows a continuous agenda of commitments, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and empowerment worldwide. Beyond Switzerland, our work thanks to social media and global connections, has inspired and built bridges of cooperation across the entire Albanian world.

L'articolo Aina Hoti: Bridging Albanian Traditions and Women’s Empowerment in the Diaspora proviene da Albania Economia.

An event with sustainability at its core

On September 1, 2025, Frut’za, a venue designed with sustainability in mind, became the stage for GreenPacting 2025—a day dedicated to innovation, impact, and the development of green skills for the next generation. Representatives from international organizations, startups, universities, and young changemakers came together with the common goal of accelerating Albania’s transition toward a sustainable economy.

Collaboration as a driving force: IMMA and Risi Albania

The day began with Fabiola Duro, founder of the Innovation Management Academy Albania (IMMA), who highlighted the 12-year collaboration with Risi Albania. Her message was clear: the motivation behind these initiatives has always been to create a positive legacy for children and future generations.

HELVETAS Albania: turning vision into reality

Next on stage was Edlira Muedini from HELVETAS Albania, who described the gathering as proof that “the vision for a green economy meets the courage to make it real.” Her colleague, Ermira Shyti, emphasized that green skills are not only technical know-how but essential competencies for the future. She noted that the uniqueness of this collaboration lies in how it was designed to meet the needs of young people preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Inspiring stories from youth and entrepreneurs

The audience then heard real stories of transformation:

• Xhoi Shahini, a young professional, shared how green skills training helped her adapt to market demands, collaborate more effectively, and deliver better results for her clients.

• Aneida Bicja, founder of the startup Doll’App, spoke proudly about forging her own entrepreneurial path, guided by sustainability and social impact. Her journey was a testament to following one’s mission rather than conforming to traditional expectations.

• Frut’za: where creativity and community thrive

  Event host Genti Zotaj, founder of Frut’za, welcomed participants with words of encouragement: “Life is a canvas—have fun, leave a message, and create proof that you were here.” He reminded everyone that success is rooted in community, where giving back is as important as receiving.

  Youth perspectives also stood out. Denisa Kasa, a young activist, explained how finance and sustainability can merge to create meaningful environmental impact, while Majlinda Bara from the European University of Tirana showcased student-driven projects designed to tackle Albania’s environmental challenges through creativity and innovation.

  Networking and new opportunities

  The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where organizations, students, and entrepreneurs exchanged ideas and explored new collaborations. The experience was enriched by healthy cakes, sandwiches, and juices carefully prepared by Frut’za’s team.

  Conclusion

  GreenPacting 2025 was more than an event—it was a collective statement of purpose. It showed that when vision, courage, and collaboration come together, sustainability is not just an aspiration but a reality already taking shape. For Albania, it was a powerful reminder that green skills and innovative partnerships are the foundation of a greener future.

  

L'articolo GreenPacting 2025: Inspiration, Innovation, and Green Skills at Frut’za in Tirana proviene da Albania Economia.

In this episode of “Conversations Across the Albanian Diaspora”, we have the pleasure of speaking with Shkëlqim Baku, one of the most distinct voices of the Albanian diaspora in Italy. Founder of Regina Corner in the heart of Venice—a space that blends elegance, art, and culture—Baku is a shining example of an entrepreneur who has preserved his Albanian roots while successfully building a business in one of Europe’s most iconic cities.
In this interview, we discuss his journey from Albania to Italy, the challenges of entrepreneurship in a foreign country, the role of Albanian culture in shaping his personal and professional identity, and how the diaspora can serve as a bridge between Albania and the wider world.

What inspired you to launch Regina Corner in a city as rich in history as Venice, and what was your original vision?

The desire to open my own restaurant has been a dream I’ve carried with me for many years. Recently, I’ve been delighted to see more and more Albanians living in Venice taking over or purchasing restaurants demonstrating that our hard work, dedication, and willpower are increasingly being recognized and appreciated. That gave me the courage and confidence to take this important step.
 Regina Corner was born as a joint project with my eldest daughter and my wife a family effort filled with love, passion, and a dream to bring something unique to the heart of a city like Venice. Our vision was to create a place where tradition, hospitality, and quality naturally align with the spirit of the city.

How has your Albanian identity influenced the way you manage your business and interact with clients or the local community?


My Albanian identity is an inseparable part of who I am not just in life, but also in how I manage my business. When I first arrived in Italy over 30 years ago, unfortunately, Albanians didn’t have the best reputation. People often looked at us with suspicion and prejudice. But today, that has changed dramatically.
 Albanians have integrated with dignity, work hard, and contribute meaningfully to Italian society. For me, it’s a beautiful feeling to see how our image has improved thanks to the work, honesty, and values we bring. Our clients feel welcome with us, and perhaps that’s the most powerful way to build bridges between cultures.

Regina Corner has become a well-known spot in Venice. Could you tell us more about your collaborations with high-end hotels, and how they’ve contributed to your growth and visibility?

Absolutely. I’m very proud and grateful that some of the most prestigious hotels in Venice recommend Regina Corner to their guests. This kind of recognition didn’t come overnight it’s the result of consistency, quality, and the trust we’ve built over time.
 Among the hotels that send us clients regularly are: Aman Venice, Cipriani, Londra Palace, Gritti Palace, Hotel Danieli, Luna Baglioni, Sina Centurion Palace, St. Regis, and Splendid Hotel, among others.
 These partnerships mean a lot to us not only do they bring an international clientele, but they also reflect the high standards we maintain. It’s an honor to be trusted by such renowned establishments.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an Albanian entrepreneur in Italy, and how have you overcome them?


Opening a restaurant in the center of Venice where there are over 1,400 restaurants is undeniably a colossal challenge. Regina Corner started as an unknown name, with no online reviews or established clientele. It was a difficult beginning, full of uncertainty, sleepless nights, and a lot of hard work.
 But what kept us going was self-belief, the unconditional support of my family, and a deep commitment to offering quality in every dish and hospitality at every table. Today, many of the most prestigious hotels in Venice recommend their guests to dine with us and that is a priceless recognition. Knowing you are someone’s choice because you’ve created a place with soul and quality is the most fulfilling feeling as an entrepreneur.

What role do you believe the Albanian diaspora plays in promoting Albanian culture and values abroad?


The Albanian diaspora in Italy is one of the largest and most vibrant communities. We are people who never forget our roots, no matter where we are. For me personally, every time someone asks where I’m from, I feel a great pride in saying, “I am Albanian”.
 I don’t just say it as a reply—I see it as an opportunity to speak with love about Albania its stunning nature, our warm hospitality, and the rich traditions that make us unique. I believe the diaspora plays a vital role in preserving and sharing our national identity, turning it into a strong bridge between Albania and the world.

Do you see yourself one day investing in Albania? If so, in which area would you most like to contribute?


My greatest dream has always been and still is to return and contribute to my homeland. I’ve spent my whole life in the tourism sector, and it fills my heart with joy to see that tourism in Albania is rapidly growing. Albania has everything it needs to be an extraordinary destination nature, culture, and warm people.
If given the opportunity, I would love to open another Regina Corner in Albania—not just a place that offers good food and service, but one that tells a story, evokes emotion, and embodies Albanian pride.

L'articolo Conversations Across the Albanian Diaspora: interview with Shkëlqim Baku proviene da Albania Economia.