New strategy outlines EBRD’s investment priorities 2016-19
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has adopted a new strategy for Albania, which lays out the Bank’s investment priorities over the next four years.
The strategy for 2016-19 looks to boost competitiveness of the private sector, expand and strengthen regional linkages and promote sustainability of public utilities.
- Support private sector competitiveness: The EBRD will support corporates and SMEs directly through debt and equity financing and through advisory services. The Bank will also work with commercial banks and microfinance institutions to improve access to financing for companies in Albania. Finally, the EBRD will increase its support for the government’s efforts to improve the investment climate.
- Expand markets by strengthening regional linkages: The EBRD will work, alongside the European Union and other multilateral partners, to promote regional integration and to improve cross-border transport and energy infrastructure. This will improve connectivity, support cross-border trade and investment and strengthen energy security.
- Promote sustainability of public utilities through commercialisation and private sector participation: The EBRD will support the deep restructuring of the power sector and finance municipal and environmental infrastructure.
In all these activities the EBRD will seek to align its operations with the priorities of the government of Albania and cooperate closely with the European Union, international financial institutions and bilateral donors.
Since the start of its operations in Albania, the EBRD has invested almost €1 billion in over 70 projects in various sectors of the country's economy.
