Malaj said that he and the World Bank official highlighted the importance of expanding the investment portfolio, supporting priority projects, and leveraging tourism’s role in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

Finance Minister stressed that the partnership with the World Bank Group remains essential for guiding investments toward long-term impactful projects and strengthening institutional capacities.

“Our goal is clear: to fully unlock the potential of Albanian tourism and position it as a sustainable engine of development and prosperity for the country,” Malaj said.

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In a statement, Gonxhja said he met with Massimiliano Paolucci, the newly appointed World Bank Country Manager for Albania, and Xiaoqing Yu, Director for the Western Balkans, Europe and Central Asia Division.

The discussions centred on concrete initiatives aimed at boosting investment in art, culture, cultural heritage, tourism destinations and community development.

Gonxhja said cooperation with the World Bank will continue to prioritise the transformation of cultural infrastructure and the introduction of innovative financing models designed to generate sustainable economic, social and cultural impact.

According to the minister, the proposed strategic projects form part of a broader vision for integrated tourism and cultural development, positioning Albania’s cultural and tourism assets as key drivers of local and national growth.

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