From 16 to 18 October 2026, Marina Orikum in Vlorë will host the second edition of the “Balkans Blue Economy Summit 2026”, an international platform that aims to strengthen cooperation between Albania, Italy and the Balkan countries for the sustainable development of the “blue economy” and to grow the region’s potential in the Mediterranean maritime space. Organised within the framework of the “Balkans Sea Fair”, the summit will bring together representatives of institutions, port authorities, international organisations, marina associations, investors, maritime industry experts and representatives of the academic world.
The “Blue Economy”, as a new engine of economic development, is at the heart of this meeting. Beyond harnessing maritime potential, it represents a development model that combines investment, innovation, environmental protection and the creation of new economic and professional opportunities. Within this framework, the summit will address the future of tourist marinas in the Mediterranean, the modernisation of port infrastructure, the development of Corridor VIII, intermodal connections, the decarbonisation of maritime transport and the use of new technologies for a more competitive and sustainable industry.
Particular importance is given to Italy–Albania cooperation, with the aim of turning institutional dialogue and the exchange of expertise into partnerships, investments and concrete projects. The summit will also create space to discuss the role of scientific research, professional training and new talent in the long-term development of the maritime sector.
Marina Orikum will be not only the host of this dialogue, but also the setting in which a new vision for the development of the Albanian coastline will be presented. Concord Group, drawing on its experience in developing coastal structures, will present the innovative “Marina Orikum” project — a project that aims to redefine the standard of tourism, yachting and coastal living in Albania, bringing together maritime infrastructure, services and tourism potential within a long-term perspective of value creation.
The Balkans Blue Economy Summit 2026 aims to strengthen Albania’s position in the Mediterranean dialogue on the blue economy and to promote the opportunities the country offers for investment, innovation and international cooperation. Through this event, Marina Orikum and Concord Group bring into focus a vision in which the economic development of the coastline goes hand in hand with sustainability, competitiveness and the creation of new opportunities for the region.