Workshop on SME Competitiveness and Regional Market Access Held in Tirana
Tirana, Albania – 11 March 2026
The Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Albania (UCCIAL) successfully organized the workshop “Access to Regional Markets: Human Capital Development for SME Competitiveness in the Common Regional Market.” The event was held in Tirana on 11 March 2026 within the framework of the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) and with the support of the European Commission.
The workshop brought together representatives from more than 25 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing an important platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking. The event focused on strengthening human capital development as a key driver of SME competitiveness and regional economic integration in the Western Balkans.
Supporting SME Competitiveness in the Western Balkans
During the workshop, participants explored how investing in workforce skills and human capital development can significantly improve the competitiveness of SMEs and help them access new opportunities in regional markets within the Common Regional Market (CRM).
Discussions emphasized the importance of:
- strengthening workforce readiness
- improving skills development for SMEs
- supporting businesses in expanding beyond national markets
- facilitating integration into regional value chains
These elements are essential for enabling SMEs to grow sustainably and compete more effectively in an increasingly interconnected regional economy.
Unlocking Opportunities in the Common Regional Market
The workshop also highlighted the importance of the Common Regional Market initiative, which aims to create a more integrated economic space across the Western Balkans.
By supporting SMEs in building stronger capacities and improving access to regional markets, initiatives like this workshop contribute to:
- increased regional economic cooperation
- improved business environment for SMEs
- stronger cross-border business partnerships
- greater participation of SMEs in regional value chains
Participants actively engaged in discussions and shared practical experiences related to skills development, workforce challenges, and strategies for regional business expansion.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange
The event provided a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange between SMEs, chambers of commerce, and institutional partners. Through interactive discussions and networking, participants identified opportunities for further collaboration and explored ways to strengthen SME competitiveness across the region.
Such initiatives align with the mission of the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum, which works to promote regional cooperation, improve economic integration, and support the growth of SMEs in the Western Balkans.
Through continued cooperation and knowledge sharing, WB6 CIF and its partners remain committed to empowering SMEs, strengthening workforce capabilities, and creating new opportunities for businesses to access regional and international markets.
