Sejdarasi: The projects of common interest for the region are the goal of the meeting in London

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has a special interest in financing projects in the Western Balkans as the largest investor in this region, and the projects of common interest are the goal of the upcoming investment summit in London, Bardhi Sejdarasi, the economy editor at the Albanian Radio and Television and the director of the Association "ProExport Albania" believes.

Sejdarasi explains that the meeting in London is traditional and has been held six times in 10 years.

"The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has a very long history of cooperation with countries in the region, including Albania. So far, it has invested more than 18 billion euros and continues to invest. The goal of the London meeting is to identify projects of common interest. It's not about specific projects of each country, but I have information that the EBRD wants to finance projects within a regional framework, and the bank can finance more than individual countries can. The bank has requested that the countries in the region themselves have joint projects that affect the overall territorial integrity of the Western Balkans. As far as I know, the Albanian Government, as well as the Kosovo Government, are devising such projects that extend beyond official state borders and require financing, especially when it comes to infrastructure projects, clean energy, and so on," Sejdarasi says.

He assesses that these meetings are important not only for the EBRD but also for all the countries in the region that have already started working on some joint projects.

"These investments are added to the European Union financing. The EU has put forward a new Growth Plan, which was recently discussed, and countries have begun presenting their projects. The six billion euro Growth Plan, as well as other plans, have a significant impact on the countries of the Western Balkans, not only because they provide cooperation that is often lacking but also to help us and create a 'gateway' for EU accession," the economist from Tirana believes.

Sejdarasi adds that the participation of five high representatives from the region has been confirmed, but not from Albania.

"Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has not yet approved his participation. Perhaps the government believes that Rama has had many meetings abroad recently, even almost every day in February - in Berlin, Brussels, last week in Ankara... Maybe there will be another representative from the Albanian Government, perhaps the Deputy Prime Minister (Balluku), who is the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. In any case, regardless of the problems the Albanian Government may have with foreign financiers, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the presence of the Prime Minister is important at such a regional meeting. I hope Rama will participate," Sejdarasi says.