Emanuel Salinas, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Albania, shared his experiences and reflections on his tenure in an interview originally broadcasted by A2CNN TV station. Salinas described Albania as a welcoming home for him and his family over the past three and a half years, expressing that "a part of me is going to be left behind."
Reflecting on the World Bank's achievements during his stay, Salinas mentioned the delivery of promises such as new hospitals, roads, and environmental remediation efforts. He emphasized the importance of trust in their work: "The Prime Minister... was mentioning how he feels that the World Bank as an institution is an institution that has a heart."
Salinas observed significant economic changes in Albania, noting its unique trajectory compared to other Western Balkan countries. He highlighted Albania's potential driven by talent and favorable geographic location. He expressed optimism about Albania's EU accession path: "I see Albania as being a member of the EU community sometime very soon."
Discussing challenges faced during collaboration with Albanian government entities, Salinas pointed out bureaucratic hurdles but noted these did not prevent progress. Instead, they were pushed to be more efficient: "We were challenged to be faster...to do more with less."
Salinas arrived in Albania without preconceived notions and leaves with respect for its people and their drive for change. He noted shared values between Albanians and Latin Americans regarding friendship, family, and honor.
Regarding the World Bank's future role in Albania's development, Salinas foresees a shift from financing to providing knowledge and advice: "As we go in this trajectory...the proportion of knowledge creation and sharing will become even more important."
Salinas identified human capital as a critical priority for Albania's future growth. Addressing concerns about migration, he emphasized leveraging existing human resources while investing in education.
Looking ahead, Salinas plans to return to Albania frequently since his son has chosen to remain there. This connection provides comfort despite his departure: "I'm not leaving Albania for good... I'm just transitioning from one way of being here to another."