TIRANA, September 27/ATA/On September 26, the Government of Japan handed over one Backhoe loader to Pogradec Municipality, amounting to EUR 71,420, under the framework of Japan’s Grant scheme “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects” (GGP). The newly acquired vehicle will strengthen the irrigation canal maintenance and management system, thereby contributing to increasing farmers’ income by expanding agricultural production in the region.
The handover ceremony was held at the Municipal Hall of Pogradec in the presence of H.E. Ms. KATO Kikuko, Ambassador of Japan to Albania, Mr. Ilir Xhakolli, Mayor of Pogradec and other representatives from the Municipality. During the ceremony, Ambassador KATO emphasized Japan’s firm commitment to support Albanian people from human security perspective as well as the importance of implementing socioeconomic development projects that will lead to the improvement of the living conditions in rural areas. She also hoped that through this project the relations between Japan and Pogradec Municipality as well as Albania would be further strengthened. Mayor Xhakolli explained the significance of this donation and expressed his gratitude to the Government and the people of Japan.
Japan’s ODA in Albania has been mainly focused on Environmental Development and Equitable Growth in the recent years. GGP is provided to local governments, educational / medical institutions, and NGOs in addressing development needs in the areas such as education, health, water supply and the environment since 1998.
