Skopje, 30 August 2024 (MIA) – Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met Friday with the head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Office in the country, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, discussing the Bank's ongoing and future projects in the country, with primary focus on joint development priorities with the aim of developing the country's economic agenda.

A significant part of the meeting was devoted to the Draft Reform Agenda, in light of the funds provided by EU's Growth Plan for the region, almost half of which will be allocated to projects under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release.

Minister Murtezani said that key reforms will focus on improving the energy and digital sectors, education, public administration, and rule of law, in order to accelerate the implementation of independent projects by 2027.

"The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of European Affairs Viktorija Trajkov, confirmed the country's alignment the priorities of EBRD’s current strategy, which focuses on competitiveness, regional integration, and transition into a green economy. Both sides agreed that these are key goals for maintaining the country's active role in the global supply chain and to support national convergence," the press release reads.

Murtezani also highlighted EBRD's contribution through the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), which helps the country in the process of green and legal transition, reduces dependence on carbon, provides trainings for employees and prepares them for new employment opportunities.

"Interlocutors exchanged opinions on the cooperation within the WBIF, and expressed mutual satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation in the preparation and implementation of projects that support the country's development," the Ministry of European Affairs adds. ssh/ba/

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs