International peer review and matchmaking event in the field of bioeconomy

In the framework of Bioeconomy Research Driven Innovation Project – BIOECO R.D.I, an International Peer Review and Matchmaking Event was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tirana at Tirana International Hotel on 12 November 2019. Participants to the event were BIOECO R.D.I project partners, and key bioeconomy stakeholders such as high representatives from ministries, academia and NGOs. The event’s aim was to:

· present the situation of bioeconomy across the region in general and in Albania in specific for the sectors of olive oil, wood processing and poultry,

· disseminate experiences/lessons learnt among countries of project partnership: Italy, Albania, Serbia, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia

· promote networking and foster matchmaking among participants

The event opened with welcoming speeches of General Secretary of The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tirana Mrs. Albana Laknori and of the Project Manager For Albania Ms. Elida Boshnjaku. Then it followed with an introduction of the bioeconomy concept and BIOECO R.D.I project by the project manager of SVIL Mr. Diego Mattioli and the presentation of PROTECT project by Ms. Marina Sereni, Project Manager.

Afterthat, the event proceeded with the presentations on thematic sessions:

· “Role of public sector in the promoting bioeconomy development” presented by representatives of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

· “Role of research and academia in the promoting bioeconomy development” professors and researchers for the academia for role of academia and research centers.

· “Role of business organisations in the promoting bioeconomy development” presented by executive representatives of NGOs.

· “Best practices in the field of bioeconomy” presented by key experts related to the regional strategies for bioeconomy in Albania designed in the framework of BIOECO R.D.I project, concluding presentations at the end with the presentation of an Italian company “Poly4life”.

Presentations highlighted the state of art of bioeconomy for the sectors of agriculture and forestry in Albania, their biomass potentials, problems, challenges and opportunities for development.

The event continued with networking and matchmaking among participants. Contact details were exchanged, national and foreign institutions and organizations discussed on common grounds and interests and possibilities for collaborations in line with bioeconomy.