PM, EBRD President discuss projects in Moldova

Chisinau, 14 February /MOLDPRES/- Prime Minister Pavel Filip today met President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Suma Chakrabarti, on a working visit to Moldova. The officials have found good partnership relations between Moldova and the EBRD, including through membership of our country within this organization, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

Filip expressed gratitude for the continued support by the EBRD to key areas of cooperation, such as: economic and social development, science and innovation, infrastructure rehabilitation, support of integration into European energy markets and diversification of energy sources.

At the same time, the premier appreciated the EBRD’s support to the Economic Council, which is an effective platform for dialogue between the government and business environment, helping improve the regulatory framework for entrepreneurship. Among the projects of the reform agenda are reduction of permits, optimization of reporting, amending the Labor Code, as well as other important initiatives for the business environment.

The premier also referred to the implementation of the central public administration reform, including increasing the capacity of institutions to effectively use external financial assistance.

In this context, Filip stressed the importance of the EBRD’s assistance to improve the country’s energy security in line with the commitments made under the Energy Community Treaty and EU-Moldova Association Agreement. The construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline was highlighted.

For his part, Suma Chakrabarti appreciated the government’s efforts to improve the business environment, reduce bureaucracy and ensure stability in the banking sector, which increases the country’s attractiveness to investors. He confirmed the EBRD’s willingness to further back Moldova in implementing reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable economic development. Among the priority directions of the EBRD Strategy for Moldova for 2017-2020 are reorganizing banking sector, improving energy security, supporting private enterprises, promoting commercialization of public utilities and improving infrastructure.

Last year, the EBRD provided Moldova with financial assistance amounting to 131 million euros for the implementation of 10 projects, including financing the construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline, supporting banking sector, funding energy efficiency measures. The EBRD has funded 122 projects worth over 1.2 billion euros, since its activity in Moldova.