Albania: Some of the Reforms Such as in Energy and Pensions are Showing Encouraging Results-Pagano

Patrizio Pagano, the new Executive Director, representing Albania in the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors, visited the country from March 24-27, 2015. The purpose of the visit was to meet with high level authorities to assure them of continuous cooperation and support for Albania’s efforts to enhance growth, reduce poverty and increase shared prosperity. He discussed Government priorities and the World Bank Group’s support under its upcoming Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the period 2015-2019. Over the last year, the World Bank Group Board has approved several important operations in support of Albania’s reforms with a few more expected to be presented for approval in the coming weeks.

Mr. Pagano met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, Speaker of the Parliament Ilir Meta, Minister of Finance Shkëlqim Cani, other members of government, Governor of the Bank of Albania, head of the opposition and Mayor of Tirana Lulzim Basha, as well as representatives from civil society, development partners and media.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Rama, Mr. Pagano praised the government’s reform agenda and the emerging good results, and expressed his support for the government’s efforts focusing on Albania’s comparative advantages, finding new sources of growth, and creating an environment conducive to investment and job creation. He also expressed his satisfaction for the dynamic collaboration between the government and the World Bank Group resulting in the timely preparation of programs and knowledge sharing in support of reforms necessary to achieve these ambitious objectives. Mr. Pagano listened to the Government’s views about challenges ahead and assured strong support of the WBG in the context of the new Country Partnership Framework.

"I am impressed with the drive towards transformational changes demonstrated by the government in pursuing reform agenda in the country. Some of the reforms such as in energy and pensions are showing encouraging results, and I look forward to seeing more positive impact during the implementation of the upcoming World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework”, said Patrizio Pagano, Executive Director representing Albania in the World Bank Group’s Board.

Mr. Pagano also exchanged views on Albania’s short to mid-term challenges with the opposition and development partners. He underscored the importance of maintaining active dialogue and consultations to support the country’s continued progress.

Mr. Pagano participated in the signing ceremony of the recently approved Health System Improvement project, and expressed his satisfaction for the contribution to the improvement of health services and coverage.

During his visit to two hydro-powers in North Albania, Vau i Dejes and Koman, Mr. Pagano was briefed on the important measures taken to ensure sustainable energy supply for the population and the economy which are supported by the new project on Power sector recovery. During his visit Mr. Pagano was accompanied by Ms. Tahseen Sayed, Country Manager for Albania.

(World Bank/ balkans.com)