The participation of AICS Tirana at Macfrut 2024 has involved AICS experts since the event’s first public presentation, held in Tirana and Shkodra, Albania, in November 2023, which focused on the topic of medicinal and aromatic plants.
Subsequently, three ongoing agricultural development projects funded by AICS were involved in the identification of participants and other stakeholders: RurAlbania, led by the NGO RTM, GREAT, led by UN Women, and TypicAl, led by CIHEAM Bari.
A total of 40 producers and technicians are participating, including 12 exhibitors from various parts of Albania, who represent various groups of producers of aromatic and medicinal plants, fruit, and vegetables at a dedicated stand. According to AICS, the fair thus takes on a practical aspect in line with the objectives of the supported projects, which is centered on participation in B2B (Business to Business) roundtables. Here, Albanian producers can initiate direct negotiations with potential Italian and international buyers. In addition to exhibitors, the Balkan delegation includes officials from the Ministries of Agriculture of Albania and the three Entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also participate in seminars and guided tours inside and outside the fair.
The Tirana office, in collaboration with the AICS Beirut office, also organized two seminars that took place at the central stand of AICS Rome. The topics proposed for the public seminars include business models, particularly for the production of aromatic, medicinal, and spice plants, and a discussion on the organization of small producers in the Balkan region and Lebanon in light of the current challenges of globalization, climate change, and ongoing international crises.