S&T Country Report - Albania - WBC-INCO Net

government sector. The first to initiate this initiative was the Albanian Center for
International Trade (ACIT). ACIT produced sectoral studies to evaluate the
competitive position and clustering possibilities. Data analysis and in-office research
on the potential clusters was accompanied by brainstorming sessions with industry
experts. So, the screening process and the selection criteria went through a
transparent process which involves different stakeholders, backed by studies and
research work on the sector (Xhepa and Agolli, 2004).
In Albania, there has been an attempt thorough the USAID Enterprise Development
and Export Market Services (EDEM) project to establish clusters in following sectors:
• Leather goods/shoe production;
• Meat processing;
• Spices and herbs; and
• Adventure tourism.
The EDEM project serves as facilitator of the clusters. Cluster managers are
employed to act as cluster facilitators and do all the administrative work for the
cluster members. Members of the cluster work together with cluster managers and
industry experts to develop work programs in identifying the needs of the industry.
Through the project, technical assistance is provided to the established clusters,
provide office facilities for the meetings and conduct specific research activities as
required by the cluster members. This support is given up to a certain time (around
16-18 month) and clusters are supposed to be self sustaining their activities.
So far, there are four clusters established until now and it is planned that other
clusters will be created in near future. Other sectors are under the review but planned
to support and facilitate the establishment of 6-8 clusters in both, agricultural and
non-agricultural sector. There here is a huge potential e.g. in textile or olive oil
industry, wine producing and trading.
Name of
initiative:
Meat Processing Cluster
Contact: Contact via EDEM project (Albanian Enterprise Development
and Export Markets Services)
Email: edemstaff@dai.com
Website: Not available
The Meat processing cluster model was first cluster supported by World Bank. In
February 2004, the Meat processing cluster was introduced to 13 meat processing
companies by EDEM for the first time. Participating companies at the meeting
welcomed the initiative and expressed a readiness to participate in EDEM cluster
activities. Subsequently, a total of 18 meat processing companies have participated
in the cluster activities organized by the project in the initial phase. As stated in the
Albania Enterprise Development & Export Market Services (EDEM), Annual Report,
the meat processing cluster intend to assist the industry to identify new market
page 16/ALB