RDPA launched in Tirana

Regional Development Programme in Albania III, was presented in a public event with key representatives from central and local government,  civil society, international community and related actors.

The Programme, co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), implemented in partnership with the Government of Albania will boost the regional development in Albania by supporting the development of strong regions, so they can advance their potentials and provide better social and economic conditions for their citizens.

Albania’s Minister of Urban Development Eglantina Gjermeni with Swiss Ambassador H.E Mr. Christoph Graf and Austrian Ambassador H.E Mr. Johan Sattler attended and addressed the Programme launch.

In his speech Swiss Ambassador Christoph Graf stressed that often the focus of development and investments goes to major cities such as Tirana and Durres and other areas are forgotten. “This is why the reform on Regional Development is so important: It aims to promote a more balanced socio-economic development of the country and to promote the development of strong regions. Through regional development we will have less disparities between various regions of the country”, stressed Ambassador Graf.

Minister for Urban Development Eglantina Gjermeni during her address stated that “… the Programme is a working platform with direct and measurable impact in building institutional and technical capacities, improving the legal framework for regional development, and above all in carrying out concrete inter-local projects. The concrete initiatives in the area of national and local planning have facilitated and strengthened inter-local cooperation and competition”.

In his speech, Austrian Ambassador H.E Mr. Johan Sattler mentioned that it is the right time to work towards equal development of the different areas of Albania and bring sustainable development for all the regions.

RDPA Team Leader, Mr. Carl Heller during his speech stressed that the Programme will aim to significantly reduce disparities in Albania by supporting the development of strong regions and communities.  This will increase management effectiveness and create an inclusive society with higher skills and better jobs for women and men. 

During its implementation, RDPA will also promote consultation and coordination between all institutions that are involved in the regional development including ministries, municipalities and regional development agencies. After the territorial and administrative reform, there is still a need to strengthen regional-level institutions which means, developing the economy and services in peripheral areas – not just Tirana. The Albanian Government is committed to extend the regional development reform in Albania, starting with the establishment of four main Regional Management Areas and four Regional Development Agencies.