Albanian PM: No Economic Benefits from China’s 17+1 Cooperation

Albania (Transatlantic Today) – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that China’s 17+1 economic cooperation bloc has brought no economic benefits to Albania. While the initiative, part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to boost investment in Eastern European nations, Albania has seen no major Chinese investments since 2016.

Key Takeaways:

• Declining Chinese Investment: Unlike other Western Balkan nations, Albania’s Chinese investments have dropped significantly.
• Commitment to Dialogue: Despite Lithuania and Estonia leaving the bloc, Albania remains to maintain diplomatic engagement with China.
• Strategic Alliances with the West: Rama reaffirmed that Albania prioritizes partnerships with the United States and the European Union over Chinese investments.
• China’s European Influence: Chinese state-owned firms hold stakes in European ports, airports, and energy infrastructure, sparking concerns over debt-trap diplomacy and strategic influence.