Government-Donor Round Table chaired by Minister of Innovation and ICT, Genc Pollo takes place on 1 November 2011

On 1 November 2011, the Government of Albania held the regular Government - Donor Roundtable, co-chaired by Minister of Innovation and ICT, Genc Pollo, and by the Ambassador of the United States, Alexander Arvizu, who is acting as rotating chair of the Donor Technical Secretariat. The event gathered senior officials from the Government and the donor community in Albania.

This high level forum was an excellent opportunity for the Government and donor community to discuss the progress made so far with the Government reform agenda, enhancement of the donor coordination, and challenges ahead.

The Government - Donor Roundtable covered topics of importance to both the Government and the Donor Community.

Firstly, it focused on the achievement of key government reforms based on the government agenda and progress made in IPS implementation as well as on the donor contribution toward these achievements. Minister Pollo summarized the major achievements and reforms GoA has undertaken within last year and their impact in the development of the country and EU integration process. He stated that considerable progress has been made, especially in the implementation of the Integrated Planning System, and invited donors to provide their input into the system and other topics as part of a discussion session. Ambassador Arvizu expressed his appreciation of all donors for their commitment to supporting Albania’s EU integration and long-term development and stated, “It is our shared goal and purpose that impacts the lives and opportunities of Albanian citizens, and this forum is an excellent opportunity to review and assess the progress achieved and discuss Albania’s road ahead.”

Under the European Integration theme, the Roundtable focused on the progress made in meeting the recommendations of the 2010 EC opinion and the next steps in light of the 2011 EC progress report.

Lastly, the Roundtablefocused on good governance and our measures to mitigate the potential impact of the international financial crisis on Albania’s economic growth. The session included a detailed presentation of the IPS implementation and progress in linking the Government’s priorities with its budget and the external assistance. It underlined the IPS progress on establishing the new results-based NSDI monitoring and emphasized that the focus should shift towards monitoring now that Albania has reached a point in which the strategic framework is completed.The Roundtable also emphasised the need for a second phase of the IPS to strengthen the country’s international competitiveness and progress in the EU accession process. Sound macro-fiscal management and a strong policy planning and monitoring framework are crucial to the country’s sustained progress toward its strategic priorities.

The meeting was considered to have great impact on donor coordination issues by serving as an excellent forum for information sharing and constructive dialogue on improving effectiveness of donor aid in Albania.

Agenda Government-Donor Roundtable 01.11.2011

Opening remarks by the  Minister of Innovation and ICT Mr Genc POLLO 

Presentation by DSDC Director Mrs Valbona Kuko