TIRANA, Oct 26 /ATA/On 26 October 2026, a grant contract in the framework of Japan’s “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)” was signed between H.E. Ms. KATO Kikuko, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Albania and Dr. Arian Boci, Executive Director of Shoqata IZHPSHK, an NGO implementing community-based projects that promote sustainable socio-economic development and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Albania. Through this grant contract, the Government of Japan will provide EUR 77,652 to Shoqata IZHPSHK for the procurement of an X ray machine for Berat Regional Hospital, which aims to enhance the hospital’s diagnostic and emergency response capabilities and the improvement of healthcare of the residents. This grant was made possible through the collaboration between Shoqata IZHPSHK, Berat Regional Hospital and the Embassy of Japan in Albania. This marks the first collaboration between the Embassy and Shoqata IZHPSHK.
During the signing ceremony, Ambassador KATO expressed her hope that this grant project will enable the Hospital to provide higher quality medical services in a timely manner and contribute to improving the healthcare of the residents in Berat. She also mentioned that GGP by the Japanese Government is a financial assistance program for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of recipients. She referred that this project aligns with one of the priority areas of Japan’s ODA (Official Development Assistance) to Albania, “Equitable Growth”. The other area is “Environment”. While noting that promotion of NGO activities is important for Albania, which aims to achieve EU accession by 2030 as a national policy goal, she paid tribute to Shoqata IZHPSHK for having carried out projects in areas such as healthcare, social welfare, and education for residents in Berat. She also expressed her hope that through this grant project the relations between Japan and Shoqata IZHPSHK as well as Berat Regional Hospital, and by consequence between Japan and Albania would be further strengthened. Dr. Arian Boci, Executive Director of Shoqata IZHPSHK, and Dr. Arben Konomi, Director of the Hospital, expressed their gratitude to the People of Japan for their continuous support provided in Albania.
