Between September 7th and 10th the SECO Head of Operations with South/East, Ivo Germann, was in Albania to meet with counterparts and discuss Swiss assistance in economy, water and energy. He met with, Minister of Finance Arben Ahmetaj and with deputy Minister of Energy Ilir Bejtja and other representatives of government and international donors.
“For us, the Swiss partner, energy remains a priority in our support for Albania and this has been so since the 90ies. The development of your competences, skills and knowledge and their application on the job will have a direct link to a successful realization of TAP and the development of a Gas Market in Albania”, said Mr. Germann during a meeting at the Ministry of Energy with energy experts who are working to establish a gas sector and support the government in relation to the TAP project.
Together with Swiss Ambassador Christoph Graf, Deputy Head of Mission Philipp Keller and other colleagues from SECO, he met with international organisations that implement economic and infrastructure support projects in the country, including KfW, Bank of Albania, World Bank and the TAP project managers. Discussions focused on current projects and how to best coordinate efforts between donors such as SECO, implementers and consultants, and the Albanian institutions.
The Swiss delegation also visited Lezha Water Utility where currently the Swiss government and the KfW are investing in upgrading water supplies and sewerage systems for the city and surroundings. Around 40,000 citizens in these areas will enjoy non-stop, clean and affordable water as a result. This investment follows the earlier upgrading of Shkoder and Pogradec water supply systems that have improved the living conditions of thousands of inhabitants.
