Deputy Minister Aliko at the meeting “Banks and the Economic Growth

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enis Aliko was present at the conference organized by the Banking Association in Albania, entitled ‘Banks and the Economic Growth’. Discussions during this meeting between government representatives and domestic and foreign banks focused on finding ways to foster dialogue aimed at facing challenges to further economic growth.
“The Albanian government’s strategy is to focus funding on unfinished projects in road infrastructure. The government will orient the investment in infrastructure for those projects which are considered eligible, Aliko underlined. According to him, the State Budget for 2018 fortunately proves the government’s attention to road infrastructure and road funds are increased by 42% compared to the previous year.
“The program of 1 Billion euro will be an important impetus for the economy of the country, and most of the projects that will be based on this scheme will have to do with road infrastructure. The Albanian government has already received the first expressions of interest for some possible public private partnership projects that are being considered with attention. Three possible funding schemes for road projects are those of the Public Private Partnership, State Budget Financing and Project Financing by setting the tolls. Some of the projects identified as potentials to build with partnership schemes are the axis of Tirana-Thumanë-Vora; the street Kardhiq-Delvinë; Milot-Balldren Street; Orikum-Himarë Street and Arbër Street for which the winner is announced and it is expected that construction will start on the ground in the beginning of the next year “, insisted Aliko.
Deputy Minister said the government is already undertaking a national operation to restore legitimacy to drinking water. This implies that very soon this area will be attractive to investors as the best performing sector is a guarantee for return on investment.
“In the electricity sector, the government has taken legal steps to support and promote renewable energies as well as energy efficiency. Banks may play an important role in financing investment projects in this very important area and with a secure future. Albania has a full dependence on the hydropower resources on solar and wind energy investments, “said Aliko.
Referring to the hydrocarbon industry, Aliko said that Albania has completed the drafting of the gas master plan and there is already a great opportunity for investment in the gas transmission and distribution network in the country. According to him, the master plan has identified three primary investment projects in the framework of creating gas infrastructure in the country.