Resumen de Cross-border cooperation on water transportation, between region of Shkodra and Montenegro.

Alkida Hasaj, Ervis Krymbi, Drita Kruja

• Both Montenegro and Albania are strategic Adriatic countries with a long tradition of water transportation and shipping for many centuries. Shkodra is definitely one of the most attractive regions in Albania for developing cross border water transportation with Montenegro. An economically developed and integrated city, Shkodra, can act as the engine of development for most of the Northern region as the only important urban area in Albania which has fallen far behind the rest of the country. The aim of the paper is to enhance strategic cross-border co-operation water transport between Shkodra region and Montenegro, for a more sustainable development, mainly across the maritime border. Shkodra region and Montenegro share together Shkodra lake, Buna river and are part of Adriatic sea. Making possible water transportation through the Shkodra lake, Buna River and Adriatic sea, contributes to the economic development of the area because connection can sustain: • enhancing competitiveness, the business environment and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises; • encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage; • promoting sustainable transport. The data to conduct this paper were collected from the contemporary literature in this field, about water transports, ports, economic impact, etc. Primary research is based on qualitative research through in depths interviews with Shkodra municipality employee, expert in field of water transportation. The findings of this study show that: Shkodra region have high potential for cross border cooperation with Montenegro on water transport, and this has higher economic impact on both countries, because connection of these regions through maritime transport can sustain tourism, enhancing cooperation and competitiveness of business