In a significant move towards bolstering Albania's tourism sector, Prime Minister Edi Rama warmly received the plans of the American company Affinity Partners and entrepreneur Jared Kushner to invest in Albanian tourism. Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, unveiled his visions for projects on Sazan Island and the Zvërnec area during his visit to Tirana.
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| One of the alleged projects of Jared Kushner's company in Albania |
The announcement made waves, particularly within the Albanian Socialist Party's Assembly held in one of Durrës' coastal areas, where Prime Minister Rama emphasized the importance of tourism development, especially after the sector's growth in the past year.
"These days, Jared Kushner, a prominent American entrepreneur and son-in-law of former President Trump, publicly announced his ambition to invest in two major tourism projects in Albania. Those who were advocating for Montenegro regarding tourism development and foreign direct investments are now talking about the threat posed to Sazan by its potential transformation into a gem in the Mediterranean tourism crown," stated Mr. Rama, as VOA reports.
While Prime Minister Rama briefly mentioned two projects, his focus primarily dwelled on the plan for Sazan Island.
Just two days prior, in an interview with Bloomberg News, Donald Trump's son-in-law revealed his intentions to convert Sazan Island into a luxurious eco-resort. He also mentioned Affinity's desire to develop the Zvërnec area near Vlorë, planning to construct several resorts comprising around 10,000 hotel rooms and villas. Kushner shared illustrative images of both projects on social media platform X.
Responding to inquiries from Voice of America, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment confirmed Kushner's company's application for the Sazan Island project but expressed ignorance regarding any plans for Zvërnec.
Kushner's announcement coincides with recent legislative changes approved by the Socialist majority, concerning "Protected Zones," which facilitate construction, including hotels or other projects deemed strategic investments.
Prime Minister Rama wittily addressed those who perceive a direct link between these legislative amendments and Kushner's projects. Kushner, who visited Albania last year accompanied by former US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, showcased his commitment to invest in Albania's coastal regions.
Environmental experts note that Sazan Island's land is a military zone but not part of protected natural areas, while the surrounding maritime perimeter is within the Sazan - Karaburun National Marine Park.
On the other hand, Zvërnec is categorized as a protected area, part of the Vjosë - Nartë protected landscape, where construction is prohibited as it falls within the central zone.
The recent legal amendments, according to experts, have removed sub-zoning from protected landscapes, paving the way for construction in protected areas. Previously, construction was prohibited in any protected zone.
These legal changes have faced strong opposition from environmental organizations and the opposition, who view them as legislation tailored to specific interests. The President's stance on these recent amendments remains to be seen, whether they will be approved or returned to the Parliament for reconsideration.
The Socialists seem determined to move forward with investments in the tourism sector, attracting private capital. Prime Minister Rama did not hesitate to criticize the Prosecutor's Office and the Special Court for blocking a contract for an investment by two Albanian companies in the Limion military base in Sarandë. He reiterated that he does not comment on the decisions of justice institutions or exert pressure on them.
"The absurdity reaches a point where a strategic investment worth nearly €200 million in Sarandë's Limion is held hostage under NATO's preventive seizure, although plans for a tourist marina have existed since Zog's time," remarked Mr. Rama.
The Limion base has been under preventive seizure for a year, halting investments in the area, as the Prosecutor's Office cited that private entities' disposition of this property jeopardizes the readiness and operability of the Navy.