Albania’s Minister of State for Local Government, Ervin Demo, said the Albanian government and senior representatives of the World Bank Group are exploring the creation of a new national program to support sustainable local economic development, with a special focus on tourism.

Speaking to the media from Berat, Demo and Ming Zhang, Global Director for Urban, Subnational Finance, Tourism and Disaster Management at the World Bank Group, stressed the importance of investments that connect tourism with territorial development and local economies.

“New investments in this sector bring direct benefits to citizens and strengthen the economic potential of communities,” Demo said.

Zhang welcomed the cooperation with the Albanian government and municipalities, noting that well-managed investments create new employment opportunities, support tourism growth and boost local economies.

As part of this commitment, officials underlined that the national program aims to generate sustainable opportunities for citizens and local businesses, while increasing inter-institutional cooperation and reinforcing economic development in local communities.

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