US $75 mln support to continue reforms in key sectors

TIRANA, Jan. 17 – The United State government will support reforms in Albania’s key sectors of economy and governance during the next five years under a 75 million dollars fund. The agreement was approved on Monday by the parliamentary economy and finance committee. The deal will focus on four key areas such as health, rule of law, good governance and support to the private sector growth, said Parliament in a statement.
“The United States government aid through USAID will focus on Albania’s progress toward European integration, by supporting the strengthening of its democratic institutions, promoting economic growth and carry out reforms in the justice system, lower corruption and strengthen the civil society.”
Government representatives said the agreement which covers the October 2010-September 2015 period must be ratified by Parliament within January 2010. The agreement will focus more on guiding investments to priority areas rather then only consultancy, said officials said.
Since 1992, USAID has delivered over $500 million in assistance to support Albania’s transition to a broad-based, market-oriented democracy. Under the U.S. Government’s Foreign Assistance framework, USAID’s development program in Albania strengthens governmental accountability and transparency, reduces corruption, increases private sector competitiveness, improves the delivery of quality healthcare, helps ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply, and reduces trafficking in persons. In January 2009, USAID began implementing a Stage II Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Threshold program in Albania to address additional corruption-related reforms in the country’s public administration and justice systems.