research in these and other innovative areas, like green finance, will develop further and become traditional topics in central banks ’ research agenda. for this reason, i challenge our researchers to consider these trends in their future research agenda. continuous enhancement of research topics and methodologies is a must for a central bank. in this respect, i would like to thank ambassador maitre, the swiss government, the state secretariat for economic affairs ( seco ) and its bilateral assistance and capacity building for central banks ( bcc ) program for supporting research activity at the bank of albania. this 1 / 2 bis central bankers'speeches cooperation has been a significant instrument for improving our research work and exposing it to academic and international research community. our cooperation will continue in the future to improve research methodologies and products. we are currently working with seco toward the optimization and institutionalization of research agenda and research implementation in central banks. these important issues will be discussed in a jointly - organized workshop with all bcc partners on capacity building for central banks, in tirana in spring 2020. dear ladies and gentlemen, our see research workshop has become a cherished tradition for bank of albania and central banks of the see region. it is a great pleasure, and we are very happy to see that the workshop continues to generate interest beyond the see region and central banking community. the list of participants has expanded to include speakers from academic institutions in the eu, the us and south - eastern asia, as well as from international financial institutions. your participation is contributing to broadening and enriching our network and we hope that discussions will help our researchers to improve their work and strengthen their research recommendations. these days, your participation in the workshop takes another and even more significant meaning in the wake of the tragic consequences caused by the strong earthquake. it helps to show that, despite many losses, we are resilient and will continue to work to overcome the emotional and economic hardships of this tragic event, shed the desperation, fear and despair, and return to normal activity. i wish the workshop a great success, and all guests and participants a pleasant stay in tirana! 2 / 2 bis central bankers'speeches

. in order to have a responsible approach in this regard, the bank of albania has approved the strategy on financial education and inclusion ( boasfei ). this document, as compiled in compliance with the best international practices, makes official the efforts of the bank of albania in promoting financial education as a public good for everyone, for bolstering financial inclusion, consumer protection and increasing financial welfare of individuals as well as the stability of entire financial system. we are pleased to share this objective with various public and private institutions and organisations engaged in the area of finance, education and development, which focus their work on the enhancement of financial literacy. the common work may transform the bank of albania strategy on financial inclusion and education into a national one, which would coordinate at a national level the initiatives of all stakeholders, driving to more tangible results. i am optimistic that we will reach this objective sooner rather 2 / 3 bis - central bankers'speeches than later. the activity today is part of this strategy'the action plan, allowing these important collaborators to present and display their work and projects and coordinate their visions and objectives. as we work together for accomplishing these common objectives, a special thank is addressed to public institutions that adopt policies which promote financial education and inclusion ; financial institutions that develop and provide all - inclusive financial products and services ; educational institutions which integrate financial education in their curricula and programs ; non - government organisation that work in the field to educate and empower their communities ; as well as the information technology companies and fintech innovators who work to digitally transform the financial sector. before concluding, i would like to express my gratitude to the world bank, seco and the swiss embassy in tirana, and absolutely the albanian government, as they are important partners in the process of drafting and implementing these challenging projects. together, we could build an inclusive society in a financial manner, where each individual can develop and realise its own potential. thank you! 3 / 3 bis - central bankers'speeches