(Mar. 2) – Italy is officially a European Lead Donor for private sector development in Albania. This role comes not only for the investment in the sector (about 45 million euros), but also for the specific commitment to support Albanian institutions in the definition of effective action plans, in line with the recommendations of the EU. The formalization of the Lead Donor was given during the EMS Donor’s Forum, organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy (METE), with support of the German Cooperation Agency GIZ. The meeting aimed at the international donor community active in the country, especially to those who have initiatives in the development of small and medium enterprises. The event was helpful to review the implementation of coordination process by the donors, a mechanism to promote the harmonization of different aids, in line with the principles enshrined in the Paris Declaration and Accra Agenda for Action. Along with Italy were appointed as Lead Donor also the European Commission, Austria, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. (Ram/Peg)
