Speaking to reporters, Kato said Japan’s development cooperation with Albania is centered on two main pillars: environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.

“Japan’s development assistance policy for Albania focuses on balanced and sustainable economic development. The two main pillars of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) are ‘Environment’ and ‘Inclusive Growth’,” she said.

According to the ambassador, Japanese support covers environmental protection and management, water and waste management, disaster risk reduction and prevention, as well as efforts to reduce disparities in access to economic and social services between urban and rural areas.

Asked by the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) about the expertise Japan seeks to bring to Albania, Kato underscored the importance of technical cooperation.

“Japan provides official development assistance through a variety of instruments, including technical cooperation, development loans and grants. Technical cooperation is particularly important because it combines financial support with the transfer of knowledge, skills and practical expertise,” she said.

She noted that such cooperation is implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while Japan also provides development loans and grant assistance.

Through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, Japan has supported community-level initiatives addressing basic human needs and delivering direct benefits to local communities.

“By 2025, the programme had implemented 80 projects across Albania, benefiting local authorities, public hospitals, public schools and non-governmental organizations,” Kato said.

The ambassador highlighted the long-standing ties between the two countries, which date back to 1922, noting that development cooperation had been underway even before the opening of the Japanese Embassy in Albania in 2017.

Kato also pointed to Japan’s regional engagement through the Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative, launched by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2018. The initiative supports the Western Balkans’ socio-economic reforms and EU integration efforts, while promoting regional cooperation and reconciliation.

Within this framework, Japan has supported projects addressing shared regional challenges, including wildfire prevention and management, as well as water resource management and drought-related issues, she said.

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Gonxhja, who is leading the Albanian delegation at the event, described the forum as one of the most important international platforms for development and investment in real estate.

“It is an honour to represent Albania on this important international platform and to contribute to strengthening dialogue and cooperation with partners and investors who share the vision for sustainable and long-term development,” Gonxhja said.

Albania is presenting a portfolio of 83 strategic projects linked directly to the development of tourism, infrastructure and territorial planning.

Through the pavilion titled “Soundscapes of Albania”, the country is showcasing its tourism potential and vision for high-quality, sustainable and year-round tourism, Gonxhja added, aiming to further strengthen Albania’s position as an attractive destination for international tourism and investment.

MIPIM is among the world’s leading events for the real estate and urban development sector, bringing together thousands of industry professionals from around the globe each year to present projects and build new international partnerships.

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