Tirana, 8 September 2026 – The Centralized Purchasing Operator (CPO) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at further modernizing and strengthening the way public procurement is carried out in Albania.
The agreement provides for the implementation of a six-month technical assistance project, through which UNOPS’s international expertise will support the strengthening of CPO’s institutional capacities, the improvement of internal mechanisms, and the enhancement of procurement process performance.
The cooperation will focus on increasing transparency and efficiency, modernizing processes, strengthening staff capacities, and aligning procurement practices with international standards and best practices.
An important component of this transformation is the broader use of technology and Artificial Intelligence in public procurement processes.
Through technology, specialized expertise, and improved processes, the initiative aims to establish faster, more transparent, and more efficient procedures, reduce costs, and ensure better use of public funds, so that every amount spent creates greater value for citizens.
The signing ceremony marked an important step in efforts to modernize centralized procurement and further strengthen the Centralized Purchasing Operator.
The Administrator of the Centralized Purchasing Operator, Mr. Jonaid Myzyri, emphasized that this cooperation will enable CPO to integrate international best practices into its systems, modernize its processes, and ensure the management of public funds according to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
In her remarks, Minister of Economy and Innovation, Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, said that the agreement will help CPO improve its processes, strengthen its capacities, and make greater use of technology, including Artificial Intelligence.
“This means faster and more transparent procurement, lower costs, and better use of public funds – so that every lek spent delivers greater value for citizens. The next step is the integration of Artificial Intelligence into public procurement processes, with the aim of making this a reality by the autumn of next year,” emphasized Ms. Ibrahimaj.
“Effective public procurement is essential for strong institutions and for ensuring that public resources deliver quality services to people,” said Ingrid Macdonald, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Albania. “Through this partnership, UNOPS will provide international expertise to support the Centralized Purchasing Operator in strengthening its institutional capacity and performance, in line with international standards and good practices. This initiative is an important step toward more effective, transparent, and accountable public procurement, while supporting improved public service delivery and Albania’s continued progress on its path toward European Union integration.”
Sabine Kania, Head of the UNOPS Office in Albania and Kosovo, said:
“This agreement marks an important milestone in our cooperation with the Centralized Purchasing Operator. By combining UNOPS’s global experience in project management and procurement with CPO’s strategic vision, we are laying the foundations for more transparent and efficient procurement processes that will ultimately better serve the people of Albania.”
This partnership represents another step toward a more modern, digital, transparent, and results-oriented procurement system, contributing to improved quality and accessibility of public services, sustainable development, and Albania’s further alignment with European standards.
