The emergence of online freelancer job markets is creating new opportunities for Albanians to connect with the global economy. Websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and People Per Hour allow Albanians with the right skills to access online project work commissioned by companies and individuals anywhere in the world, while staying in their local communities.

Women in particular stand to gain. The female labor force participation in Albania is still 14.6 percentage points lower than for males. The gender pay gap remains 6.6 percent, according to 2020 data from the Albanian National Statistical Authority (INSTAT). The emerging online freelancing work model can play an important role in narrowing these gaps. Flexible work hours and the ability to work from home can help more women with the right skills stay in the labor market and gain financial independence.

The Digital Jobs Albania initiative, implemented in partnership with the Government of Albania, Coderstrust (an international digital skills training provider), and EuroPartners Development (a local consulting company), will provide an online training program to equip selected participants with in-demand technical skills. It will also provide mentorship to participants and help them develop the soft skills needed to successfully compete for project work on online freelancer websites.

“This initiative offers an exciting new opportunity for Albanian women to acquire digital skills and join the online economy – a blueprint to inspire future projects in this space,” says Emanuel Salinas, World Bank Country Manager for Albania. “No one can afford to be left behind in the ongoing digital transformation.”

The initiative is part of broader ongoing World Bank engagement in Albania to help the country leverage the economic opportunities associated with digital trade in goods and services.

“Albania has recognized the importance of digital markets as an opportunity for economic development. We have mobilized a team from across the World Bank to support this effort, through this new initiative and others in the future,” says Christoph Ungerer, the World Bank task team leader for the Albania Digital Trade Project.

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The Naim Frasheri promenade is the hub for the city’s vibrant social and tourist culture.

For residents and tourists alike, the promenade serves up unforgettable views and beautiful memories of days by the sea.

But over the years, the promenade’s outdated infrastructure was failing.

Dim lightning at night, crumbling, narrow walkways and small, difficult to access beaches prevent residents and tourists alike from fully enjoying this historic and beautiful space.

The government of Albania sought help from the World Bank for its reconstruction. The World Bank is a good partner for this project.

Ramis Husi –Deputy mayor of Saranda municipality said that, “they financed the reconstruction of the iconic stone steps back in 2018, which really work well for our city.”

Both projects combine modern functionality with design that honors our city’s unique architecture. The new promenade has further highlighted the city stone steps.

The new promenade offers many improvements. It’s space doubled. The Panoramic Balcony which overlooks the coast and provides the beach access from the eastern coast has been added.

The quayside currently home to fishermen boats has been rehabilitated. Other improvements include a new public pool, public beaches equipped with facilities such as showers and restrooms, brighter lightning, a surfaced sidewalk, and a dedicated bicycle lane.

Arben Cipa- Sipa Tour Travel Agency said that, “the promenade integrates elements that improve the urban landscape, facilitate mobility, provide information to tourists, and create space for activities and celebrations, without compromising the identity and historical-cultural monuments of the city. Centrali restaurant owned by Vladimir Musei is one of the many businesses that operates along the promenade.”

Vladimir Musei- owner of Centrali restaurant said that,” the promenade is very precious for Saranda. It has brought positivity to Saranda so much needed for the tourism and at this time.”

The economy of the city as well as that of Albania depends a lot on the tourism industry. The new promenade will make it possible for Saranda to develop its tourism potential even more in the future.

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The rehabilitation works on the discharge tunnel number 4 of Fierza HPP have already been completed (December 2020) which has been handed over to the Albanian Power Corporation (KESH),” World Bank announced.

“Works on rehabilitation of radial gate number 4 resumed in April 2021 and expected to be completed in October 2021. At the Koman hydropower plant, the rehabilitation works on the discharge tunnel number 3 have already been completed,” WB said.

The dam safety project has been under way since 2008 when it was first approved by the World Bank board. //a.i/

“Response measures included increased social assistance benefits, wage subsidies, credit guarantee schemes to help provide wage payments and working capital, which are estimated to have prevented a further increase in poverty by about 1.7 percentage points,” the World Bank report said.

The government also decided to defer tax income payments and further VAT exemptions to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, while public spending rose to 33.7 percent of GDP.

According to the World Bank report, the service sector led by tourism and construction is expected to be the main driver of the economy’s recovery thanks to reconstruction investments.//a.i/

The Albanian Parliament approved the draft law “On the ratification of the loan agreement between the Republic of Albania and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), on the development of fiscal sustainability and growth policy in Albania.”

The Albania’s Minister of Finance and Economy, Anila Denaj stated on Monday that, the targeted loan in the amount of 80 million dollars is a budget support for Albania.

“The purpose of this policy development loan is to support the efforts of the Albanian and Albanian governments in achieving some objectives related to strengthening the transparency and sustainability of public finances, improving finances for growth and recovery, and support for key sectoral opportunities for sustainable development,” Minister Denaj said. //a.i/