December 2019 – During October and November the “Albanian Agribusiness & Tourism Support Facility” (AATSF), a project funded and developed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in cooperation and with the support of the Albanian Government, organized a series of informational events. The events took place in the regions of Lushnja, Korça, Gjirokastra, Saranda and Malësia Madhe.
The purpose of these events was to inform Albanian farmers and agribusinesses about the application procedures to obtain financial support under AATSF, and the National Support schemes for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPARD II) supported by the European Union.
In addition to informing the stakeholders about the programs that support the agricultural sector in Albania, the activities aim to provide and facilitate dialogue between participants, in order to promote investment in this sector, vital to the Albanian economy.
The events brought together representatives from AATSF and ARDA, Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs), representatives of EBRD, local government institutions and local agribusinesses, such as greenhouse growers, Agri-processing, livestock, medicinal herbs, apples and commercial / processing consolidators.
During the meeting, businesses were also introduced to EBRD’s “Advice for Small Businesses” (ASB) program, as well as financial products and services offered for agribusinesses by the PFIs.
At the end of the meetings, the participants had learned about the support mechanisms under AATSF, understood ways to benefit from the offered financial and technical support and received help in developing and creating new connections with other farmers, businesses and financial institutions.