(ANSA) - TRIESTE - In order to foster gender equality and the development of SMEs in the Albanian Shkodra Region, a specific micro credit fund dedicated to women entrepreneurs has been created within the CEI Know How Exchange Programme (KEP) Austria. The two Italian companies, LVIA and MAG2 Finance, are responsible for carrying out the 40.000 EUR worth project in the quality of know-how providers.

The initiative envisions a series of advantages aimed at helping women kick start their business plans, including a favorable interest rate and flexible repayment schedules. So far, 11 out of 17 applications have been approved with a disbursement of loans amounting to about 21.400 EUR (3.000.000 Lek).

Aside from the financial assistance, the project also encompasses counseling, capacity building and training programmes for the selected female entrepreneurs in order to increase their chances for long-term success. The KEP AUSTRIA Programme is financed by Austria through the Austrian Development Cooperation based on an agreement between the Central European Initiative and Austrian Development Agency. It aims at promoting capacity building and technical assistance through know-how transfer from CEI EU to CEI non-EU Member States.

(ANSA).