New prospects for Shkodra and Lezha regional development

TIRANA, March 8 – The governments of Austria and Switzerland have provided over 4 million euros in funding for a regional development programme that will assist the regions (Qarks) of Shkod철and Lezh롩n designing and implementing projects benefiting the two regions and strengthening the Qarks’ regional development capacity.
The launch of the new programme last month was greeted with speeches by the Austrian and Swiss Ambassadors, the heads of the respective development cooperation offices, and the Government representatives. After that, Mr. Daniel C. Wagner, the programme team leader, presented the goals and objectives of the new regional development programme.
“Regional development challenges can be met only through continued support to the decentralization processes”, said in her speech the Swiss Ambassador, H.E. Ms. Yvana Enzler. “It is essential to build an effective institutional framework and capacities for inclusive, gender equitable and demand-driven service delivery, and strengthened and empowered qarks will play a decisive role in this endeavor”, continued the Swiss Ambassador. She also emphasized the fact the new programme will work alongside other existing programmes that aim at strengthening local government and promoting regional change.
“This programme supports Albania’s EU integration through regional development by contributing to overcome regional disparities within Albania as well as between Albania and the EU in general”, added the Austrian Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Florian Raunig. “We are financing and implementing the regional development programme together with Switzerland, a partner country which – like Austria – enjoys a long lasting history of successful regional development”, continued the Ambassador. He added that Austrian and Swiss experience and knowledge in this field aim to contribute to the sustainable development of a Balkan region that offers most attractive potentials and possibilities.