Presentation of new cooperation draft strategy of Moldova, EBRD for 2017-2022

Chisinau, 11 July /MOLDPRES/ – The draft of the new cooperation strategy between Moldova and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for 2017-2022 (called the Country Strategy) was presented by the head of the EBRD Representation in Moldova, Dimitri Gvindadze and his team at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Octavian Calmic, Economy Minister, today.

According to the economy ministry’s press service, Dimitri Gvindadze said that according to the Country Strategy Project, the Bank planed to give priority to improving governance and increasing the resilience of the economy by unlocking the banking sector and enhancing energy security and boosting Moldova’s competitiveness by supporting the private sector, providing support in modernizing and reforming the public sector. The official also referred that the draft of the new cooperation strategy foresees the promotion of the green economy, i.e. an economic environment with less harmful effects on the environment and substantial benefits for society and every individual citizen.

At his part, Deputy Prime Minister Octavian Calmic reiterated the importance of EBRD assistance for the development and implementation of Moldova's main priorities, according to its strategic documents. Also, the Economy Minister emphasized the importance of support in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, as well as to increase the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by strengthening their capacities in obtaining and developing business skills, and access to funding.

The country strategy for 2017-2022 is to be approved by the end of November 2017.

The cooperation strategy between Moldova and the EBRD for 2014-2017, approved in April 2014, has focused on the implementation of three priority objectives, namely: supporting the rehabilitation of Moldova's infrastructure, promoting the modernization and development of the Moldovan corporate sector and supporting the integration of Moldova on the European energy markets and the diversification of energy sources.

(Reporter A. Mardare, editor M. Jantovan)