Grant programme launched for Moldovans from abroad

Chisinau, 12 February /MOLDPRES/ - The Diaspora Engagement Hub grant programme, meant for Moldovan citizens from abroad, was launched in Chisinau today. A number of 39 grants worth 125,000 Swiss francs will be provided within the programme during one year to strengthen the Diaspora, attract human capital and innovative projects.

“This programme is launched in a context when we need more than ever to consolidate forces, all energies and expertise of our citizens from Diaspora, so that we together lead Moldova towards economic development," Prime Minister Pavel Filip said.

The authorities’ intention is to regain the trust of citizens and foreign partners, and, not in the least, it is very important to regain the confidence of the Moldovans working abroad. “The government has every openness to facilitate transfer of competence, professional experience, knowledge and good practices from Diaspora representatives, which I am sure they have acquired and which we need very much here, in Moldova,” Filip also said.

The government is determined to enforce other programmes similar to the one launched today. “I will insist on the approval of the Diaspora 2025 National Strategy as soon as possible," the prime minister stressed. 

The head of the Diaspora Relations Bureau, Valeriu Turea, said “it is for the first time that such a vast programme dedicated to Diaspora is launched”, given that the Diaspora itself “has developed very much."

The money offered by the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency will be be used to used to finance 18 projects worth 2,000 Swiss francs each. The projects regard Moldovans' return home for a short period to implement projects. Four thousand Swiss francs will be offered for each of the 16 innovative projects. Five grants worth 5,000 francs each will be provided for regional partnerships.

“The programme will not be limited to the 39 grants, but will be expended during the time”, Turea said.

The head of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova, Simone Giger, said the programme was an important instrument focused on the relationship with the Diaspora. “I wish you every success for a better implementation of our common goals," Giger said.

The Diaspora Engagement Hub programme is implemented by the Diaspora Relations Bureau of the State Chancellery and International Organisation for Migration, Moldova-based mission. The grant programme is funded by the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency (SDC), and is meant to help Moldovans from abroad apply their ideas and turn to good account Diaspora’s human capital.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor L. Alcaza)