STATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN TO ALBANIA, H.E. Kikuko KATO at the SYNERGY CONFERENCE | AS DELIVERED
Distinguished Guests,
It is an honor to co-organize the WBF Conference for the sixth time this year. This conference is a key part of the Japanese government’s Western Balkan Cooperation Initiative, launched by the late Prime Minister Abe in 2018. This initiative supports the economic and social reforms undertaken by the six Western Balkan countries on their path toward EU accession, while also fostering reconciliation and cooperation within the region.
It is particularly meaningful that this WBF Conference will not only bring together the Western Balkan Six but also the V4 countries. By including the B4 countries—who have already experienced the EU accession process—this event provides a valuable opportunity to share their insights and experiences. Additionally, it strengthens the network between stakeholders in the Western Balkans and the B4 countries, enhancing regional cooperation and mutual understanding.
Japan has been committed to supporting various reforms in the Western Balkans, aiming to facilitate EU accession while also promoting reconciliation and collaboration within the region. Sharing our experience and knowledge in this field will, I believe, add significant value to the ongoing efforts of all those involved.
Distinguished Participants,
The theme of this year’s conference, Synergy Among Local Governments in Regional Cooperation, is highly relevant. As Minister Mazoniča mentioned, the Western Balkan countries are making impressive strides in economic development as they move toward EU accession. However, this progress also brings challenges, such as widening economic disparities between urban and rural areas and population outflows from regional cities to capital cities, where economic opportunities are more concentrated. State Minister Maznikov also highlighted these concerns.
Addressing these challenges requires meaningful dialogue—not only between local and central governments but also among municipalities within each country and across national borders. To foster such dialogue effectively, it is essential to establish networks and build relationships of trust among all stakeholders. I am confident that this year’s WBF Conference will serve as an excellent platform for discussion among key figures, including ministers responsible for public administration in the Western Balkans, representatives of local governments and NGOs, researchers, media, and the general public from both the Western Balkans and the B4 countries.
This conference will also provide a valuable space to exchange information on ongoing initiatives, share best practices, and learn from past experiences. Each region has its unique cultural and societal assets, and I hope that this event will encourage participants to leverage these strengths to foster equitable regional development. By revitalizing local economies in a sustainable manner, we can ensure balanced growth across all areas, not just in capital cities.
Distinguished Guests,
As part of Japan’s contribution to this conference, an online presentation by JICA Senior Advisor Mr. Weda on Regional Cooperation and Sustainable Tourism Development in the Western Balkans is scheduled for tomorrow.
Allow me also to take this opportunity to briefly introduce Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), which has been benefiting local municipalities, public hospitals, and NGOs in Albania—and across all Western Balkan countries. As the Ambassador to Albania, I will focus on our cooperation with Albania in particular.
The GGP was introduced by the Japanese government in 1989 to address various socio-economic needs in developing countries. This initiative primarily supports projects that meet basic human needs and require timely assistance. By providing non-refundable financial aid, the GGP enables NGOs, public hospitals, schools, local governments, and other non-profit entities to implement crucial development projects.
The Japanese government formulates a country-specific assistance policy for each recipient country, periodically reviewing and updating these policies. Currently, Japan’s assistance to Albania is centered on two pillars: environmental sustainability and equitable development. Therefore, GGP projects are carefully selected based on their alignment with these priorities. Requests for assistance are evaluated through consultations between the Japanese Embassy and local stakeholders before being submitted to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval. Given budget limitations, only a select number of projects can be approved each year.
Once a project is approved, a grant contract is signed between the Japanese Ambassador—currently myself—and the recipient organization. The recipient is then responsible for procuring the necessary vehicles or equipment in accordance with the stipulated procedures. After procurement, the Japanese Embassy formally hands over the items to the recipient, ensuring proper accountability.
In Albania, projects supported under the GGP have included the provision of garbage collection trucks, fire trucks, backhoe loaders, and medical equipment. The maximum grant per project is currently 20 million yen—approximately 134,000 euros, depending on exchange rates.
The Japanese Embassy in Albania was established in 2017, but the GGP program had already been in place since 1998. Since our embassy’s establishment, GGP funding for Albania has expanded significantly, allowing us to enhance economic cooperation in response to the specific needs of municipalities and public hospitals. To date, 73 GGP projects have been implemented in Albania, including 51 since 2017. We have provided essential vehicles and equipment to 41 municipalities and 10 public hospitals.
Personally, I make it a priority to visit recipient municipalities and hospitals to observe the impact of our assistance firsthand. During these visits, I engage with mayors and hospital directors to better understand their challenges and discuss how Japanese cooperation can further support their work. Moreover, we conduct follow-up assessments two years after project completion to ensure that the equipment is being properly utilized and maintained.
For more details on recent projects, I invite you to view the slideshow presentation at the reception this evening.
Distinguished Guests,
Regional revitalization is also a crucial component of Japan’s economic strategy. Across Japan, various policy measures are being implemented to foster balanced regional development. I hope that through today’s and tomorrow’s discussions—as well as the final session on Best Practices in Public-Private Partnerships—participants will build and strengthen networks between municipalities and other stakeholders from the Western Balkans and B4 countries. I encourage all of you to take full advantage of this opportunity to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and work toward achieving sustainable regional growth.
I also hope that these strengthened networks will contribute to greater synergy, as State Minister Mazniku emphasized, helping to advance regional reconciliation, cooperation, and ultimately, the EU accession process for each Western Balkan country. By accelerating economic and social reforms, we can work together to build a stronger, more integrated region.
I wish you great success at this year’s WBF Conference.
Thank you very much.
