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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Talks focused on the cooperation between Albania’s Ministry of Finance and Economy and the World Bank.

The two discussed the WB assistance to Albanian institutions to press ahead with the social protection reforms, the overhaul of the social insurance scheme, as well as to review the social welfare benefit scheme and employment and training programmes.

Finance Minister expressed gratitude for the WB support and expertise on social protection and other areas of economic development.

The two delegations agreed on the need to advance dialogue and review of the social protection components, with the World Bank voicing readiness to provide its assistance.

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