Moldovan government to take more measures to relaunch economy, in context of COVID-19 crisis

Chisinau, 19 May /MOLDPRES/ - The last forecasts show a 6.3-per cent contraction of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Moldova in 2020, as a result of the pandemic crisis triggered by the COVID-19 coronavirus. In all, the prospect for the re-launch of the economy is more pessimistic against the initial forecasts. Nevertheless, the government undertakes all measures, in order to ensure the getting out of the crisis of the social and economic sectors hit. Prime Minister Ion Chicu made statements to this effect at a news conference today.   

„We continue analyzing these forecasts and it is clear that already now we can see a differentiation of the impact in sectors. Given that not all sectors will be affected to equal extent, and HoReCa, tourism, exports, agriculture, processing industry will be the first ones to be worst hit,’’ Ion Chicu noted.    

According to the PM, the authorities’ measures and the ones demanded also by economic agents deal mainly with the access to liquidities. ‘’Thus, we will help them compensate the interest on loan, which has never happened in Moldova’s history. At the same time, this year, we will provide one billion lei, through the programme on reimbursement of the value added tax (VAT) and a programme on guaranteeing loans will be launched for the small and medium-sized business. Also, the state maintains its expenses at the level planned – roads, repair, constructions, energy sector, etc. Or, this means work for the economy, salaries for people,’’ the prime minister said.    

„Unfortunately, there will be cases of bankruptcy and I am afraid not a few ones; yet, we will try to provide assistance to economic agents through more support programmes. Nevertheless, we must know that this crisis will leave us everybody rumpled: both the state and economic agents and I would like it to be less for the citizens. We should not make illusions, as this crisis will hit Moldova just as the other countries of the world,’’ the prime minister added.