EU-WB6 Investment Forum

Saatja: "info eu-wb6investmentforum" <[email protected]> Saaja: "info - MKM" <[email protected]> Teema: EU-WB6 Investment Forum, Tirana, 13–14 October 2025 Kuupäev: 2025-09-09 16:20 Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada. Dear Sir/Madam, On behalf of the Government of Albania, I am pleased to inform you about the upcoming EU–Western Balkans 6 Investment Forum, which will take place in Tirana on 13–14 October 2025, in close cooperation with the European Commission. The Forum will bring together the Prime Ministers of the Western Balkans Six, Ministers of Economy from EU Member States, senior EU officials, leading investors, and representatives of major financial institutions. We are also honored to confirm the participation of European Commission President, Mrs. Ursula von der Leyen, which underscores the high political significance of this event. The Forum aims to strengthen economic cooperation, deepen investment flows, and accelerate the integration of the Western Balkans into the European single market. In this context, we kindly ask for your assistance in sharing this information with the responsible official at the Cabinet of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, Republic of Estonia in order to confirm Minister’s, H.E. Erkki Keldo availability and interest in attending. For your reference, please find attached the: * Draft Agenda of the Forum * Concept Note outlining its rationale and objectives A formal invitation, together with the detailed programme and logistical information, will be shared in due course. We would greatly appreciate your feedback at your earliest convenience and kindly ask to be contacted back as soon as possible using the details below: Jorgjeta Marko Director Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation Government of Albania Email: [email protected] Phone: +355 692215913 Thank you very much for your cooperation and support. With best regards, SEKRETARIATI TEKNIK | TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT                     FORUMI I INVESTIMEVE BE-BP6 | EU-WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM                     Ministria e Ekonomisë, Kulturës dhe Inovacionit | Ministry of                     Economy, Culture and Innovation                     (A): Bulevardi “Dëshmorët e Kombit”, Nr. 3, Tiranë, Shqipëri <https://akshi.gov.al/Email_Signature_white_v_edit.png> Informacioni i trasmetuar në përmbajtje të këtij mesazhi është i destinuar vetëm për individin ose për institucionin të cilit i është nisur, mund të përmbajë materiale konfidenciale dhe / ose të privilegjuara vetëm për marrësin. Çdo rishikim, trasmetim, shpërndarje apo kryerje e ndonjë veprimi tjetër të ngjashëm me këto, nga personat apo nga subjekte të tjera të ndryshme nga marrësi i synuar, është i ndaluar. Nëse merrni gabimisht këtë mesazh, ju lutem kontaktoni urgjentisht dërguesin e tij dhe fshini çdo material të trasmetuar në kompjuterin tuaj. Ne nuk pranojmë asnjë detyrim lidhur me dëmtimin apo humbjen e shkaktuar nga programe të dëmshme apo nga viruse, përveç rastit të neglizhencës së plotë, apo sjelljes së gabuar dhe të qëllimshme. _____ The information transmitted in the content of this message is intended only for the individual or the institution to whom it is addressed, may contain confidential and/or privileged material for the recipient only. each review, transmission, distribution or performance of any other action similar to these, by persons or by entities other than the intended recipient, is prohibited. If you receive this message in error, please contact the sender immediately and delete any transmitted material on your computer. We do not accept no liability related to damage or loss caused by harmful programs or viruses, except in the event of gross negligence, or willful misconduct EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 EU-Western Balkans Investment Forum A New Investment Frontier – The Western Balkans Tirana, Albania October 13-14, 2025  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 Introduction The EU-Western Balkans Investment Summit seeks to strengthen economic cooperation and investment opportunities between the Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) and European Union (EU) member states. Supported by the European Commission, this summit is part of the broader EU strategy to promote regional integration and socio-economic convergence, fostering sustainable economic development across the region. The European Union (EU) and the Western Balkans Six (WB6) stand at a pivotal moment in their shared economic and political journey. As the EU seeks to reinvigorate its economic dynamism and secure its global competitiveness, the Western Balkans emerge as a promising new investment frontier. This investment summit serves as a strategic platform to strengthen economic cooperation, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and accelerate the integration of WB6 economies into the European single market, benefiting both WB6 countries, EU member states and European companies. The EU has historically demonstrated that strategic enlargement and investment in emerging markets yield substantial economic benefits. The 2004 enlargement wave stands as a testament to this success, driving GDP per capita growth by over 30% in new member states and 10% in existing members through increased trade, investment flows, and institutional reforms. Notably, this growth was supported by comprehensive economic reforms in accession countries, increased capital accumulation through FDI, and productivity gains driven by technology transfers and enhanced education levels. Poland, for instance, leveraged EU accession to become the sixth-largest economy in the bloc, significantly increasing its industrial output and living standards. The Western Balkans now present a similar opportunity - one that can generate economic convergence, enhance regional stability, and create long-term prosperity for both the EU and WB6 nations.  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 By fostering dialogue between investors, policymakers, and business leaders, this summit in Tirana will highlight how key investment opportunities can catalyse growth, deepen market integration, and secure Europe’s future as a competitive, resilient, and united bloc. It will also address critical challenges such as regulatory barriers, financing constraints, and geopolitical uncertainties that could impact regional economic development. Now is the time to capitalize on the momentum, leveraging past successes to build a resilient and integrated European economic future. Rationale for the Investment Summit A New Investment Frontier: Benefits for EU Companies and Markets Europe’s productivity gap with the global frontier can be traced back to a more limited market size, capital market constraints, skilled labour shortages, and stalled structural reforms. There is widespread agreement on the sources of Europe’s growth weakness. Recently released expert studies (Letta 2024; Draghi 2024) come to a similar conclusion that Europe’s low productivity is related to lack of market depth and scale. Both reports link Europe’s lack of competitiveness to Europe’s incomplete single market in the trade of goods, services, and factors of production (capital, labour). In an era marked by economic shifts, technological transformation, and geopolitical realignments, the Western Balkans offer a unique and timely opportunity for investment. The benefits extend beyond WB6 nations - EU businesses stand to gain significantly by expanding their market reach, reducing production costs, and strengthening supply chain resilience.  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 This investment summit seeks to bridge these gaps by: Expanding Market Opportunities for EU Firms - The WB6 region represents a growing consumer base with increasing purchasing power. European companies can capitalize on these emerging markets, securing first-mover advantages in key sectors. Boosting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Returns - Investors require a clear, structured landscape to navigate opportunities in the Western Balkans. The summit will showcase high-potential sectors such as energy, digital transformation, tourism, industrial manufacturing and more. Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience - Recent global disruptions have highlighted the need for more geographically diverse supply chains. By deepening economic ties with WB6 nations, EU companies can benefit from nearshoring, reducing dependency on distant suppliers and lowering logistical risks and costs. Strengthening EU's Competitive Edge in Key Industries - Europe lags in digital innovation and emerging technologies. By investing in WB6 nations, EU firms can access lower-cost production hubs while fostering regional tech development, ensuring a stronger competitive stance against global rivals. Estonia’s emergence as a digital hub post-accession serves as a model for how smaller economies can transform into tech powerhouses with the right investments. Learning from the Past: EU Enlargement as a Success Model The economic history of EU enlargement reveals that integrating emerging economies leads to widespread benefits. The 2004 EU expansion demonstrated that:  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 Trade expansion and investment attraction were instrumental in raising productivity and economic growth. Market access led to an increase in firm size and efficiency. Financial support mechanisms, such as EU structural and cohesion funds, facilitated rapid infrastructure and institutional development. New member states benefited from foreign capital influx, helping boost productivity. Technology transfers and skill development enhanced labour market efficiency, positioning new member states for sustained economic progress. Regions with firms that had easier access to long-term financing saw GDP growth nearly 15 percentage points higher than those without. By applying these lessons to the Western Balkans, the EU can ensure long-term economic gains for both parties. The experience of past EU enlargements suggests that a further EU expansion could lead to economic gains for both the next generation of accession countries and the current EU-27. Based on the assumption that the accession returns to new and old member states would be similar to estimates for the 2004 accession round, full EU membership for all current accession countries, could lift the combined new EU GDP per capita by up to 14 percent after 15 years. With the EU currently reassessing its enlargement strategy, this summit serves as a timely forum to solidify commitments and fast-track economic integration. Target Participants Government Representatives Business Leaders and Investors Chambers of Commerce & Industry  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 Investment Banks and Financial Institutions International Financial Advisors Major Economic Forums International Economic Publishers Key Features 1. High-Level Participation Attendance by Prime Ministers from Western Balkan countries alongside senior EU officials and key policymakers. 2. Thematic Sectoral Panels Bioeconomy Panel Energy Panel Digital Panel Manufacturing & Critical Raw Materials Panel Circular Economy Panel 3. Networking and Business Engagement Investment Showcase and Case Studies: Presentation of successful investment projects in the Western Balkans, demonstrating best practices and high-return opportunities for prospective investors. Investor Matchmaking and B2B/B2G Engagements: Structured B2B and B2G meetings, enabling direct engagement between investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 Roundtable Discussions: Accessing financing through instruments like the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) guarantee facilities (TBC). 4. Deliverables International Media and Public Engagement – Broad media coverage, including an international press conference featuring key speakers, to promote the summit’s outcomes and reinforce investor confidence in the Western Balkans. Investment Commitments and MoUs: Signing of investment agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and public-private partnership (PPP) commitments between EU investors, WB6 governments, and businesses. Comprehensive post-Summit Report: Release of an in-depth report summarizing key insights, investment commitments, policy recommendations, and the roadmap for future economic collaboration between the EU and WB6. Conclusion The first EU-WB6 Investment Summit in Tirana is a strategic milestone in the economic integration of the region with the European Union. It represents an opportunity to drive FDI, foster innovation, and accelerate economic convergence. The experience of Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries - which saw GDP growth surge, trade quadruple, and industrial output soar post-accession - proves that strategic investment fuels economic transformation. Poland, the Czech Republic, and Estonia have emerged as industrial and tech powerhouses, significantly contributing to EU-wide GDP and trade expansion. This success story can be replicated with WB6, positioning the region as a new dynamic hub for investments.  EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 Investment in WB6 is not just about regional development, it is about enhancing Europe's global standing. With a young workforce, competitive production costs, and strategic geographic positioning, WB6 presents a unique opportunity to reinforce EU industrial value chains, improve supply chain resilience, and foster technological innovation. For WB6 nations, this is the time to demonstrate commitment to reform, strengthen investor confidence, and align their economies with the European growth model. For the EU, this is the chance to extend its economic influence, reinforce stability, and unlock new avenues for sustainable growth. The benefits for European companies and economies are clear: a strengthened supply chain, increased market access, enhanced industrial competitiveness, and higher returns on investment. The time for investment is now. The place to start is Tirana. EU - WB6 INVESTMENT FORUM TIRANA 13 - 14 OCTOBER 2025 DAY 1 – HIGH-LEVEL SESSIONS 0830 - 0930 ARRIVAL AND WELCOME COFFEE 0930 - 1000 OPENING CEREMONY - WELCOME SPEECH BY PRIME MINISTER EDI RAMA - KEYNOTE SPEECH BY PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION 1000 - 1015 KEYNOTE PANEL – INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS THIS HIGH-LEVEL PANEL COMPOSED OF THE WESTERN BALKANS 6 LEADERS WILL SET THE STAGE FOR THE FORUM BY OUTLINING THE STRATEGIC INVESTMENT PRIORITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE WESTERN BALKANS. DISCUSSIONS WILL FOCUS ON FOSTERING COMPETITIVENESS, ENHANCING REGIONAL INTEGRATION, AND MOBILIZING SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS. 1015 - 1045 SIGNING CEREMONY (LIST OF ANNOUNCEMENTS TBC) 1045 - 1115 LEADERS’ FAMILY PHOTO & NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK 1115 - 1215 DISCUSSION PANEL – INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WESTERN BALKANS PANELISTS WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, MINISTERS OF ECONOMY (OR EQUIVALENTS) FROM EU MEMBER STATES, BUSINESS LEADERS AND ASSOCIATIONS, AS WELL AS INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE EIB, EBRD, AND MEMBER STATES’ FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. THIS PANEL WILL BRING TOGETHER KEY STAKEHOLDERS FROM PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS, INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DISCUSS THE INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE OF THE WESTERN BALKANS. THE DIALOGUE WILL EXPLORE CURRENT BUSINESS CONSTRAINTS, UNTAPPED OPPORTUNITIES, AND THE REGION’S PRIORITY INVESTMENT NEEDS. 1215 - 1245 NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK 1245 - 1345 DISCUSSION PANEL – WESTERN BALKANS 6 AS A NEW SOURCE OF GROWTH POTENTIAL CONTINUATION WITH ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS, MAINTAINING BALANCE BETWEEN EU/WB6 PUBLIC AUTHORITIES, PRIVATE SECTOR, AND INVESTORS 1345 - 1500 NETWORKING LUNCH 1500 - 1800 AFTERNOON: SIDE EVENTS TBC 1900 - 2400 CULTURAL EVENING AND DINNER  DAY 2 – BUSINESS DEEP-DIVE SESSIONS 0900 - 0930 ARRIVAL AND WELCOME COFFEE INVESTOR PITCHES 0930 - 1030 BIOECONOMY PANEL SELECTED COMPANIES FROM THE CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST WILL PRESENT THEIR INVESTMENT PROPOSALS IN THE BIOTECHNOLOGY SECTOR, HIGHLIGHTING CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS IN HEALTHCARE, LIFE SCIENCES, AND BIO-BASED INDUSTRIES. THE SESSION WILL EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO FOSTER INNOVATION, ATTRACT HIGH-VALUE INVESTMENT, AND STRENGTHEN REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES. THE MODERATOR WILL ALSO PROVIDE INSIGHTS INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION’S POLICY FRAMEWORK AND SUPPORT INSTRUMENTS AIMED AT ADVANCING THE BIOTECH SECTOR. 1030 - 1045 NETWORKING COFFEE 1045 - 1145 ENERGY PANEL SELECTED COMPANIES FROM THE CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST WILL PRESENT INVESTMENT PROPOSALS IN THE ENERGY SECTOR, SHOWCASING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE. THE SESSION WILL HIGHLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES TO ACCELERATE THE GREEN TRANSITION AND STRENGTHEN REGIONAL ENERGY SECURITY. THE MODERATOR WILL ALSO OUTLINE THE EUROPEAN UNION’S SUPPORT FOR THE ENERGY SECTOR, INCLUDING KEY INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE GROWTH PLAN, WBIF, EFSD+, AND OTHER RELEVANT INITIATIVES. 1145 - 1200 NETWORKING COFFEE 1200 - 1300 DIGITAL PANEL SELECTED COMPANIES FROM THE CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST WILL PRESENT THEIR INVESTMENT PROPOSALS IN THE DIGITAL SECTOR. THE SESSION WILL SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODELS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH. THE MODERATOR WILL ALSO HIGHLIGHT THE EUROPEAN UNION’S SUPPORT TO THE DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM, INCLUDING INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE GROWTH PLAN, WBIF, EFSD+, AND OTHER RELEVANT INITIATIVES. 1300 - 1400 NETWORKING LUNCH 1430 - 1530 MANUFACTURING & CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS PANEL THIS SESSION WILL HIGHLIGHT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN MANUFACTURING AND CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS, TWO SECTORS ESSENTIAL FOR STRENGTHENING INDUSTRIAL CAPACITY AND ENSURING SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS. SELECTED COMPANIES WILL PRESENT INNOVATIVE PROJECTS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABLE GROWTH, REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS, AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU’S GREEN AND DIGITAL TRANSITION OBJECTIVES. 1530 - 1630 CIRCULAR ECONOMY PANEL THIS SESSION WILL EXPLORE INNOVATIVE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAT PROMOTE RESOURCE EFFICIENCY, WASTE REDUCTION, AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION MODELS. COMPANIES WILL PRESENT PROJECTS FOCUSED ON RECYCLING, ECO-DESIGN, AND GREEN TECHNOLOGIES THAT CREATE VALUE WHILE MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. THE DISCUSSION WILL UNDERLINE THE ROLE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN DRIVING COMPETITIVENESS, SUPPORTING THE EU GREEN DEAL OBJECTIVES, AND FOSTERING LONG-TERM RESILIENCE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS. INVESTOR ENGAGEMENT 1630 - 1730 ENGAGEMENT WITH INVESTORS WHO HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST DURING THE PITCHES SESSION. THIS PLATFORM IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS ON CONCRETE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND FOSTER DIRECT DIALOGUE BETWEEN BUSINESSES, INVESTORS, AND POLICYMAKERS. 1730 - 1800 CONCLUSION AND FINAL REMARKS 1800 END OF FORUM 1900 - 2400 CULTURAL EVENING AND DINNER