Moldovan PM participates in launch of project on rural, agricultural development in Gagauz autonomy, Taraclia district

Chisinau, 13 May /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Pavel Filip participated in the launch of a project titled, Support to Agriculture and Rural Development through  Promotion of Confidence Building Measures, held in Comrat (administrative centre of the southern Gagauz autonomy) today, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.     

The prime minister stressed that the project was important for the Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) of Gagauzia and Taraclia district, as it would contribute to a uniform economic development of all the Moldovan regions, would provide new opportunities for backing the local entrepreneurship and refurbish the business infrastructure. Also, the project will facilitate the setting up of Local Action Groups, which will become an engine of development for communities from the rural environment, will stimulate the association of agricultural producers and increase their competitiveness on the domestic and foreign markets.    

“We need such projects, as they lead to developing settlements, creation of new jobs and, what is not less important, to the change of the mentality. Therefore, a project of the kind we launch today seems to me extremely important. It will help us turn to good account the human potential our country has through its education and involvement in the community’s development, and at the same time, stimulate the local development, by backing those who want to start a business in agriculture, as well as through development projects on developing local infrastructure,” Prime Minister Pavel Filip said.     

For her part, Bashkan (governor) of UTA Gagauzia Irina Vlah said this project would help settle the most pressing problems of the local communities and would give an impetus to the social and economic development of the autonomy and southern region of Moldova. The bashkan highlighted the efficient cooperation with the government, stressing that, in a short period, more initiatives had been initiated, among which the programme on development of UTA Gagauzia, due to be approved in the near future. 

Also attending the event, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said that the programme’s goal was to turn to account the regional development potential, create a friendly environment for attracting investments, as well to improve the services and infrastructure for backing the business.   

The programme has a budget of 6.5 million euros and is financed by the European Union. It is seen for a three-year term and will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).    

“Our experience shows that the complex development-related challenges need an integrated approach, through innovating solutions and the best practices. One of our success stories, of which we are everybody proud, will be used in UTA Gagauzia and Taraclia district,” UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova Dafina Gherceva said.    

The project has three components, aimed at boosting the dialogue the local and regional authorities in the agricultural field, promoting local entrepreneurship and supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises by providing financing for start-ups and restoring the social infrastructure in 20 communities from UTA Gagauzia and Taraclia district. Thus, over 120,000 people will benefit from upgraded services and renovated infrastructure.

(Editor M. Jantovan)