FAO to support Moldova in developing sustainable, competitive agriculture

Chisinau, 29 May /MOLDPRES/- With the signing and entry into force of the Association Agreement with the EU and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the Moldovan authorities appreciate the valuable support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in preparing the domestic producer for the gradual liberalization of EU trade in agricultural products and access to the Community market. Foreign and European Integration Minister Tudor Ulianovschi made the statement at a meeting with Raimund Jehle, FAO representative for Europe/Central Asia and a non-resident representative of the organization in our country, the MAEIE’s press service has reporte.

Ulianovschi said that Moldova attaches great importance to cooperation with the FAO, over the years our country standing out in the organization not only as a beneficiary of assistance but also as a contributor to the FAO mandate.

In this context, the official reiterated assistance priorities for Moldova set out in the Moldova-FAO Country Programme for 2016-2019, especially those related to increasing the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development, as well as improving the capacities in the sustainable management of natural resources and natural disaster management.

“We continue to focus on the experience and expertise of FAO in the achievement of the national goals set in the government programme on modernizing and improving agro-food sector competitiveness, mitigating natural disasters, seed sector development etc,” he said.

Raimund Jehle said that Moldova had been selected as a priority state for FAO assistance, noting that the organization would provide all necessary support in developing a sustainable and competitive agriculture, ensuring rural development, mitigating the consequences of natural disasters etc.

The officials exchanged views on the implementation by Moldova of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, especially in the food and agriculture, assessed the progress in the implementation of the Moldova-FAO Country Programme for 2016-2019, as well as other issues of mutual interest.