OFID reconfirms development support to Albania

TIRANA, Oct. 24 – A delegation from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), led by Director-General Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, has concluded a high-level mission to partner country Albania, discussing the Fund’s current operations in the country and exploring future avenues of cooperation.
At a press briefing, Prime Minister Berisha thanked Mr. Al-Herbish for OFID’s support and the “excellent friendship” that had developed between Albania and OFID. He referred in particular to the institution’s co-financing of projects aimed at developing the country’s rural infrastructure, one of Government’s key development priorities. Mr. Al-Herbish praised the “outstanding progress” of the OFID co-financed projects in the country. The Director-General also extended his congratulations to the country, which will celebrate its 100th year of independence on November 28, and spoke warmly of the “resilience of the Albanian people.”
The delegation also met with Finance Minister Ridvan Bode to talk about Albania’s current development priorities and paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Tirana, Lulzim Bisha. Also scheduled was a visit to the site of the Shijak-Gjepalaj Road, which was rehabilitated under the second phase of an OFID-co-financed project that is improving selected road segments in the western regional departments of Durres and Lezhe. Mr. Al-Herbish expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the road and reiterated OFID’s commitment and continuous support of the development of Albania’s rural areas.
OFID’s partnership with Albania dates back to 1993, with the approval of public sector loans in support of the country’s rural development – including projects covering the agriculture, education, health, transportation and water supply and sanitation sectors. A private sector loan was also extended to the Fushe Kruje Cement Factory to expand its operations and boost cement production. The country also benefited from a multiregional grant that supported an initiative of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency under its Program of Action for Cancer Therapy.