TIRANA, March 19 – A new Swiss government grant will support Albanian institutions in developing capacities to create a gas market, to successfully implement large investment projects and to benefit from the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, the country’s embassy said.
Beatrice Maser, Director at the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, together with ministers Damian Gjiknuri and Shkëlqim Cani signed a new agreement on Wednesday that commits 6.6 million euros to develop a domestic gas market, implement the TAP project and manage large infrastructure projects.
Maser said the project and the TAP investment are of a higher strategic importance for Albania. Among the results expected by this contribution she mentioned improved energy security through energy diversification, economic growth through a strengthened investment framework and reduced greenhouse emissions through lower imports of fossil-fueled energy
Gjiknuri said that “with the Swiss government we now have an intensive program in diversifying energy sources through this important fund that serves the strategic objective of our country’s gasification.”
As the implementation of the TAP project begins, this latest Swiss contribution aims at improving capacities of state institutions in managing the country’s emerging gas market.
Between 2011 and 2013 Switzerland facilitated Albania’s entry into the TAP project by creating the proper framework conditions and laying the ground for a potential gas supply to the country.
Ambassador Maser’s visit marks an important step in the support Switzerland provides to Albania in view of the TAP project and the development of gas infrastructure. In her earlier meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Niko Peleshi, the Minister of Finance Shkëlqim Cani, and the Minister of Energy and Industry, Damian Gjiknuri, she also discussed crucial developments in the areas where Switzerland has provided support including economic development, public finance management, the territorial and administrative reform, the energy sector reform, and in particular the improvement of conditions for the private sector development.
The new agreement will aim to improve technical and managerial capacities of the public administration in the new gas sector especially in connection with the TAP project. As a new energy source, gas can greatly contribute to energy security by complementing the current hydro power sources.
Switzerland has supported the energy sector in Albania in the area of dam safety and infrastructure since the early 90s and is also considering energy efficiency as an area of intervention.
