Photo Credit: Stephanie A. Pepi   Deputy Prime Minister, Genc Pollo, and USAID Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney signed a Memorandum of Understanding expressing the commitment of the USAID and the Government of Albania to work together to improve the development of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in Albania.

USAID Supports Private Sector Building of National Internet Backbone

TIRANA, JUNE 26, 2009     The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, signed a Memorandum of Understanding today on cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technology.  Through this agreement, USAID has agreed to provide technical assistance to support the enhancement of the ICT sector in Albania.  The Government of Albania (GoA) will provide the enabling environment required for advancing the ICT sector in the country.

The signing took place at the Council of Ministers and was witnessed by representatives of the telecommunications services companies that provide voice, data and internet services in the country.

“USAID believes that Albania’s continued push toward further European integration is dependent upon the building of a world class ICT infrastructure that is useful to its citizens, businesses and the government,” said Roberta Mahoney, USAID/Albania’s Mission Director.

The development of the ICT sector is an important engine for growth of the entire economy.  In addition, through the e-schools project and a number of projects related to the delivery of government services to citizens, such as e-procurement, e-taxes and on-line business registration, the GoA is using ICT technology to improve education and the efficiency of government operations to better serve the citizens.

“The partnership with USAID has played a crucial role and is highly appreciated in the implementation and maintaining sustainability of the projects in the ICT sector and I should again express my thanks for their valuable assistance,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Genc Pollo at the ceremony.

This Memorandum of Understanding will enable a continuation of a long standing focus of USAID to contribute to the improvement of the infrastructure of Albania with particular emphasis on facilitating the development of modern technology, policies and procedures for application in the fields of health, education, economic growth and good governance.