Sustainable economic development

A special effort will have to be made before the standard of living in Albania can approach EU standards. Functioning free market institutions and a competitive economy are prerequisites for Albania’s integration into Europe and the world.

GTZ promotes economic development at national, regional and local levels. Special emphasis is placed on the agricultural sector, sustainable tourism, the clothing industry, and the up-and-coming software sector. In the poorer north of the country, instruments of regional development are being introduced on a pilot basis.
 
Other regional focal areas are Korca in the south-east and the area around the capital Tirana. In its vocational training programme, GTZ ties its training courses to developments in the economy and the labour market. The banking, construction and tourism sectors have been involved in the setting up of a vocational academy from the very start. A project in the north-east focuses on the reform of vocational training with regard to current and future employment opportunities.

Modern commercial law, in line with EU standards, has been introduced. Judges, state attorneys and other specialists are being trained in the application of the new legislation.

Priority area drinking water supply/wastewater disposal, environmental protection

In addition to the German financial cooperation (FC) investments managed by KfW Entwicklungsbank, GTZ advises the Albanian Water Regulatory Authority on improving the framework for a safe supply of drinking water and sustainable wastewater disposal.