Albania was the host country of the third Western Balkans Summit for this year.

This summit was held virtually with senior representatives from the governments of the Region, the European Union, representatives from public sector agencies and private entrepreneurs, who exchanged experiences regarding digital connectivity through reliable networks, the digitalization of business processes, public services, as well as the development of digital skills.

As one of the key actors in implementing the digital agenda for Albania, Vodafone Albania, represented by its General Director Mr. Achilleas Kanaris, was part of the main panel discussion, dedicated to the importance of the digitalization process and the steps towards digital transformation for the Western Balkans.

In his speech, Mr. Kanaris stated that digitalization is a necessity for the development of society and the guarantee of a sustainable economic future. The Covid-19 pandemic was proof of how digital services enable the continuity of business, institutions, and public services even in times of challenge.

“The Covid-19 emergency made us react quickly and adapt to the new reality, where communication and daily life moved online. We must not stop and must maintain the pace towards the development of the digital society at the same time as the European Union. Vodafone Albania has long been working on several aspects of digitalization in Albania. In addition to investing in mobile and fixed network infrastructure, Vodafone dedicates special importance to digital education, as a very important part of the entire digitalization process. We as an industry, the private sector and governments, must cooperate to advance the development of digital infrastructure throughout the region, also paving the way for the expansion of new technologies that enable higher speed and connectivity.

The European Union has ranked digitalization among its main priorities. In the post-Covid-19 economic recovery plan, the EU has dedicated considerable funds to the development of high-quality infrastructures. Among the key points of the EU’s current programs is Connectivity – being interconnected in the network. The Western Balkans must not be left behind, but together, we must cooperate to move forward in parallel with the European digital agenda,” added Kanaris.

Vodafone Albania, part of Vodafone Group, the leader in telecommunications in Europe, is the company with the highest contribution to the development of the electronic communications industry in Albania. The Vodafone Albania network is the network with superior performance in all parameters and enables businesses, families, and institutions to always be connected everywhere and at all times.

During the Covid-19 emergency, Vodafone played an important role in enabling digital solutions and communication for key sectors of the economy, provided uninterrupted service for its customers in every corner of Albania, as well as access to digital education for 15,000 children from families in need across Albania.