UNIDO: New markets for Albanian textile companies through business meetings in Sweden

New markets for Albanian textile companies through business meetings in Sweden

Albanian companies from the garment and footwear manufacturing sector, supported by UNIDO and financed by the Government of Sweden, have started a multi-day study visit to Sweden. The Sweden–Albania B2B Study Visit in the textile sector is designed as a targeted business exchange connecting Albanian producers in textiles, clothing, leather and footwear with key actors in Sweden’s textile and fashion ecosystem. 

The visit takes place in the context of wider changes in Europe’s textile industry, including nearshoring trends, growing sustainability and due diligence requirements, and the need for more transparent, flexible and resilient supply chains. Albania is presented as an increasingly competitive production base close to the EU market, while Sweden is highlighted as a global leader in sustainable innovation, circular economy practices and advanced textile solutions. 

The Albanian textile, clothing, leather and footwear sector is made up largely of export-oriented SMEs operating mainly through subcontracting models. While the sector benefits from proximity to EU markets, a skilled workforce and competitive production capacities, the article notes that it needs stronger integration into higher-value supply chains, broader adoption of circular practices and stronger international partnerships to increase competitiveness. 

The study visit brings together Albanian company representatives and Swedish stakeholders, including brands, retailers and technology providers. Through field visits, structured meetings and B2B exchanges, the programme aims to serve both as a learning opportunity and as a platform for concrete commercial opportunities and long-term partnerships. 

The initiative aims to facilitate business links between Swedish companies and export-ready Albanian producers, strengthen knowledge exchange on sustainable production and digital innovation, support supply-chain diversification through nearshoring opportunities, promote Albania as a reliable and sustainability-oriented production partner, and encourage Albanian companies to move towards higher value-added models, including full-package production and sustainable sourcing. 

The initiative is part of the Business Partnerships and Solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals, a United Nations Joint Programme supported by SIDA. The programme aims to prepare and empower private-sector partners in Albania to integrate the SDGs into their business models, strengthen their position in national and international value chains, and contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

UNIDO’s work under this programme focuses on introducing resource and energy efficiency practices in Albania’s textile and agro-processing sectors. By promoting innovation and helping enterprises reduce waste, energy consumption and emissions, the programme supports the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of one of Albania’s important economic sectors.