Vlora Aarhus Information Centre in cooperation with the Albanian Initiative for Transparency in the Extractive Industry (ALBEITI), local governments and municipalities of Patos & Bulqizė, with financial support of the OSCE Presence in Albania organized two roundtables respectively in Bulqiza town (5 March 2014) and Patos town (20 March 2014) with participation of  local decision-making actors, representatives from petrol companies and mining industry operating in the district of Bulqiza and Patos / Fier, civil society and the technical staff of the Secretariat of ALBEITI.

In his opening speech Mr. Aliaj representatives from civil society welcomed the participants, praised the close cooperation with the Secretariat ALBEITI, considering civil society as an important actor of the Albanian society that assists the community as a whole, and in particular the transparency in the extractive industry sector .

Head of Secretariat Ms. Dorina Çinari, highlighted the results of the work done so far on the issue and achievements EITI in Albania. Also reflected preparing two EITI reports in 2011 and 2012, reports of which are expected to be published within 2014, as well as the importance of cooperation with private companies, government and civil society.

OSCE representatives, welcomed participants from civil society, interest groups, local governments and the Secretariat ALBEITI.

Mr. Paolo FRACCARO in his speech, underlinde their cooperation as a tool for transparency and said that this is very important for a broader cooperation in the future.

In his presentation, Mr. Albert Brojka, coordinator of the Secretariat ALBEITI briefly explained the benefits of the EITI initiative and new EITI standards made public by the EITI International Secretariat in July 2013. Mr. Brojka also spoke about his legislation and mechanisms explaining the participants to the relevant legal obligations.

The discussion continued with open-ended questions to participants about issues of importance to the parties about the progress, and community benefits of transparency in the extractive industry and minerals.