Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is granted the status of “National Importance” by the National Territorial Council chaired by Albanian Prime Minister, Sali Berisha.

This clears the way for the drafting of the National Sectorial Plan for the TAP Project. The drafting of this document will be led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy. Upon obtaining this status, the 500 meter wide corridor of the TAP project is declared a “national area”.

Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director of TAP, said: “I am delighted that TAP has been recognised as a project of national importance for Albania. This is a great honour and I would like to thank the National Council and the Prime Minister himself for granting TAP such an important status. We will continue to work closely together with the Albanian government to realise TAP, a project that will facilitate the connection of Albania to Europe’s energy network.”

TAP will be one of the largest foreign investments in Albania to date worth approximately 1 billion Euros. During construction of the pipeline, TAP will bring employment to the country - in construction, transport and communications, manufacturing and utilities, trade, financial and business services, as well as it will contribute to the development of key infrastructure in the country such as roads. TAP will also provide opportunities for Albania to develop a domestic gas market and connections to regional gas networks.

Press Release , December 25, 2012