TIRANA (Albania), May 10 (SeeNews) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Wednesday it has confirmed its forecast for Albania's 2017 economic growth at 3.5%.

The growth is expected to be driven mainly by the advancing energy projects in the country, the EBRD said in its latest Regional Economic Prospects report.

In 2016, Albania's economy grew by 3.5% in 2016, compared to a 2.6% growth rate in the previous year.

The EBRD evaluated positively the restructuring process, which state-owned power producer company, KESH, and electricity distribution company, OSHEE, are undergoing.

"Net exports also had a positive contribution to growth (although small), mostly because of a good performance of services exports, such as tourism," the lender said.

According to the bank, the short-time outlook on Albania remains positive but downside risks are significant.

Albania's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to increase by 3.7% in 2018, the EBRD said.