Top European bank reconfirms intention to participate in investment projects in Moldova

Chisinau, 20 May /MOLDPRES/ - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is interested in participating in implementation of investment projects in different social and economic fields of Moldova, especially in the energy, banking, infrastructure sectors. New Head of the EBRD Representative Office in Moldova Dmitri Gvindadze made statements to this effect at a today’s meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Economics Minister Octavian Calmic.     

According to the Economics Ministry’s press service, the EBRD official said the institutions he represented was opened to financially back the Moldovan authorities, along with other partners, to implement the projects on construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline and the interconnection line Isaccea-Vulcanesti-Chisinau, which would eventually allow connecting Moldova, via Romania, to the European Union’s energy system.      

Deputy Prime Minister Octavian Calmic welcomed the EBRD’s openness concerning the extension of the bilateral cooperation relations. He also appreciated the Bank’s efforts in implementing important projects for Moldova, including those dealing with the reformation and modernisation of the enterprises Termoelectrica and stock company CET-Nord (North Thermo-electric Power Station).     

Referring to the issue of carrying out projects on energy inter-connection, Octavian Calmic stressed that Moldova’s authorities were set to create a group of donors interested in participating in financing these two projects. The minister specified that, within discussions held, the European Investment Bank, European Commission, World Bank, etc. had already showed willingness to be members of this group.    

Also, Octavian Calmic and Dmitri Gvindadze exchanged opinions on the carrying out of projects in energy efficiency and infrastructure in different Moldovan settlements, with EBRD willing to provide up to 22 million euros to this end. In this context, the economics minister made a proposal to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to consider possibility to participate in the carrying out of a social project, consisting in the construction of a multifunctional pavilion with modern infrastructure and multistory parking with more than 1,000 places at the MOLDEXPO Centre.     

Since the beginning of its activities in Moldova in 2005, EBRD has financed 110 projects, with over one billion euros invested in the Moldovan economy. EBRD’s present portfolio amounts to 447 million euros, earmarked for infrastructure (74 per cent) financial institutions (11 per cent), industry, trade and agri-business (10 per cent), energy sector (five per cent).  

(Reporter A. Mardare, editor L. Alcaza)