I would like to confirm that the relations of cooperation between Albania and IFAD have felt the support and direct care of His Excellency Fawzi H. Al Sultan. The Albanian Government considers IFAD as an important donor for the support of the reforms regarding the development of agriculture production, especially in the rural areas, intervening in the infrastructure of irrigation and on the support it has given to the farmers of these areas. During this period Albania profited two loans under two projects, that of the rural development and the project of small-scale irrigation rehabilitation 2001 is the last year of the implementation of two projects. Both projects are considered successful because they have affected in the increase of the agriculture production. The request and the needs for assistance in the mountainous and hilly areas of the country are still great because the Albanian government itself cannot afford them with only its own funds.
Agriculture is one of the main branches of the albanian economy.
About 0.8 million of the active labor force are employed or self-employed in the sector of agriculture. The agriculture and food as the main branches of the national economy consist in one of the priorities of the Albanian Government. During the last years the albanian agriculture has achieved positive results. This session gives me the opportunity to express the appreciation of the Albanian Government for the support of IFAD for the albanian agriculture. The signing of the agreement of the Third Loan for the implementation of the rural development program is a contribution not only financial but an institutional one.