China’s soft loan to Albania for infrastructure and high-tech

TIRANA, April 22 – During his recent visit to China Prime Minister Sali Berisha was promised soft loans to Albania to promote its infrastructure and the introduction of high technology.
This announcement was mentioned during his meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao when both said that bilateral relations had entered a new stage of close cooperation.
The two premiers discussed the bilateral cooperation as well as the further encouragement of the traditional relations between the two countries.
Berisha assured that Albania would make it easier for the Chinese businesses to invest in Albania.
“Albania is a safe country, a NATO member, which makes a country far safer for the Chinese investments,” said Berisha.
“Albania has great investment potentials in infrastructure because the government is building a completely new infrastructure.”
Wen also said that the Chinese government is willing to enhance economic and financial cooperation in order to face the consequences of the global financial crisis.
Wen highlighted the great willingness of his government to accelerate programs in support projects in infrastructure, high-tech, IT, mineral industry, energy and especially extension of cooperation in the field of agriculture. The Chinese government is willing to provide soft loans to Albania to implement these projects.
The Chinese premier said that a delegation of experts would visit Albania soon to discuss projects in the agriculture field and within the current year a joint working commission would convene in Beijing. China will also consider providing a soft loan for projects that will modernize customs, health and education system.
China plans to give Albania a 10 million Yuan grant.