Press Release
Date: 21 November 2025
FED invest, MEI and JICA Held Second Coordination Committee Meeting for “Gender-Responsive Financial Inclusion and Business Development” Project in Albania
Tirana, Albania – The Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI), FED invest, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Consultant Team convened at the FED invest headquarters for the second Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting to discuss the progress and next steps of the Project for Promotion of Gender-Responsive Financial Inclusion and Business Development through Digital Use in Albania. This collaborative initiative aims to strengthen small rural businesses, family farms, and women entrepreneurs by enhancing access to digital financial services and business development tools.
During the meeting, the Committee approved the workplan and outlined priority actions for the first semester of 2026.
Remarks from FED invest’s CEO
Mr. Sulaj, CEO of FED invest, underscored the importance of the Project in supporting Albania’s rural and agricultural entrepreneurs and making ABA a sustainable and unique agribusiness service center. He also emphasized the importance of the tripartite collaboration in driving positive change and ensuring that the Project remains a flagship initiative for the country’s rural economic development.
MEI’s Commitment to Rural Development
Ms. Xhoana Hudhra from MEI’s Directorate of Business Promotion Policies, delivered remarks on behalf of the Deputy Minister of MEI. She emphasized the Project's alignment with MEI’s strategic priorities, particularly in strengthening Albania’s agri-business sector and increasing the export potential of Albanian products. "This Project is an important tool for promoting financial inclusion and business development for rural businesses, farms, and women entrepreneurs. We are proud to support this initiative, which is fully aligned with MEI’s commitment to fostering a more competitive and resilient agri-business environment,” Ms. Hudhra stated.
Insights from JICA HQ
Ms. Megumi Hirose, Senior Director of JICA’s Office for Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction, provided key insights from her recent field visits across Albania, where she engaged with farmers and local entrepreneurs. She highlighted the growing trust in FED invest and its ABA services, observing that ABA plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between financial and non-financial services. She noted that FED invest's efforts to connect rural entrepreneurs with vital financial services, coupled with MEI’s role in strengthening market linkages, are critical to the success of the Project.
JICA’s Vision for a Digitally Empowered Albania
Mr. Chigiru Yamashita, Chief Representative of the JICA Balkan Office, expressed JICA’s commitment to supporting the Project as a key initiative under its Western Balkan Cooperation Initiative. “We are hopeful that this Project will contribute to building a more inclusive and digitally empowered future for Albania, particularly for its rural and agricultural communities,” Mr. Yamashita said.
Mr. Sulaj concluded the meeting by reaffirming the importance of the collaboration between MEI, JICA, and FED invest in ensuring the success of the Project. He expressed his confidence that this tripartite partnership will enable the creation of an inclusive, digitally enabled business environment for rural entrepreneurs and significantly contribute to Albania's broader economic goals.
For further information, please contact:
FED invest
Email: info@fedinvest.al
Website: www.fedinvest.al
