Infrastructure becomes “strategic”, the government plans on building roads and ports which will connect the country to the world

Albania’s diplomacy is aiming to act as an “economic” diplomacy, then infrastructure prefers the term “strategic”. In other words, the aim is no longer to build roads, ports, railways and airports which are only used for the domestic transport, but also to connect the country with the region. Such fact has been confirmed two days ago by the minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Damian Gjiknuri while reporting in front of the parliamentary committee of finance and economy about next year’s budget and the projects which will be implemented with its funds.

“There are at least 42% more funds than a year ago, which aim at having a more strategic approach toward these projects”, he said. Meanwhile, during a visit to Montenegro, he has also held talks about the construction of the Adriatic-Ionian highway. Otherwise known as the “Blue Corridor”, this ambitious and strategic project was launched when the left wing power came into power. However, this project is more likely to start during this government term in office. “We discussed about road projects, where the Adriatic-Ionian highway is a priority for both countries. We have obtained the necessary funds to conduct the final feasibility study”, the Albanian minister said on this project.

Meanwhile, Gjiknuri also added that during the talks with the Montenegrin counterparts, he also pointed the problem concerning the completion of other secondary roads which connect other border crossing points to Albania. Let us recall that the joint Albanian-Montenegrin railway station has been recently inaugurated in Tuz. This station has been considered as the only model in the region and its purpose is to bring both countries closer to each other. Meanwhile, the Albanian government plans on infrastructure also include an important project which will be implemented during this government term in office, such as the Road of Arber, for which Macedonian authorities are also expressing their interest, because this project has been perceived by the Albanian authorities not only as an important road segment which connects the capital with the northeast of the country, but also as a strong bridge connecting the country with the neighboring country.

PLANS

Budget, 10 other road segments will be completed next year

Next year’s budget will also include funds for the completion of 10 road segments within the territory of the country. These segments include lot 2 of the road connecting Kukes to Morina, but also the road segment connecting Fushe Kruja to Thumana. Meanwhile, another segment is lot 10 of the Plepa-Kavaja-Rrogozhina bypass, which will be completed in 2018. Other road segments include Elbasan-Banja, Kelcyra-Permet, the reconstruction of the road Koder Kamez-Tapiza and also the maintenance of the bypass of Fier, Vlora or the highway linking Tirana and Elbasan and Qukes to Qafe Plloçe.