Info Session Nr. 5 – Tirana
19 April 2018
With the support of Regional Development Agency 2, a second Info Session was organized in this area of regional development on 19 April 2018, with participation of mayors, deputy mayors and technical level representatives from municipalities.
In his opening remarks, the Head of RDA No.2 Mr. Arben Skënderi presented the Programme and the importance of the Regional Pilot Grant Scheme as a very good opportunity for RDAs that for the first time will be engaged in the evaluation and selection of project proposals and also in the monitoring and reporting of projects. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with central institutions and local authorities in order to prepare high quality regional plans, with well-defined objectives and reliable data that will provide the basis for future support.
The RDPA Team Leader Mr. Carl Heller addressed the event by summarizing the objectives and the scope of Regional Development Policy focusing on the role of local structures to contribute to the planning process, and what RDPA offers and supports in this field. “Our password is results orientation and efficiency! Therefore, we do not plan to involve you in tens of no-value working groups but instead we wish you to work with us and the Regional Development Agency in a focused way through provision and discussion of the needed crucial information, followed by validation of regional documents and preparation of projects that can attract public and private funds in the region.”, stressed Mr. Heller.
The event was followed by the presentation of the Grant Scheme focusing on ‘how to apply’, criteria for financing, the evaluation of the project proposals and guidance on how compiling the application form. After the presentation, a Questions & Answers session was dedicated to the application, implementation and monitoring processes of the Regional Pilot Grant Scheme.
The event was also broadcasted in the national media where Mr. Heller summarized the scope of RDPA, its main objectives and its importance for the regional development in Albania.