First EU interministerial meeting in support of agro-industrial sector held in Chisinau

Chisinau, March 1. /MOLDPRES/- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) holds on 28 February -2 March the first EU inter-ministerial meeting – Germany, France, Romania – Republic of Moldova to identify the needs and possible areas and forms of cooperation in the agri-food sector.

The Ministry, jointly with the EU Interministerial Delegation led by the German side included on the agenda information sessions on sectorial priority areas and urgent development needs. A mission of European experts is holding discussions with MAIA representatives to carry out an analysis of the ministry's main areas, including from the perspective of the reforms undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in the agri-food sector.

"The EU delegation to Chisinau and the EU member countries are the partners of the Republic of Moldova in our European path. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry has initiated an extensive process of reforms in the agro-industrial segment. Last week, the organizational chart of the ministry was supplemented with new subdivisions necessary for the good functioning in the management of policies in the agri-food field. Since the summer of last year, we have obtained the status of a candidate country for the EU. In this context, the National Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development was developed, aligned with the Common Agricultural Policy. However, during the pre-accession period we need expertise and technical support, in order to identify the disadvantages and turn them into advantages", said Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, MAIA head.

Experts of EU ministries said they are willing to provide assistance in a strategic manner to transform national agriculture and food systems. In this context, they reviewed the available international cooperation programs, aimed at institutional strengthening, offering consulting and assistance services focused on increasing competitiveness in agriculture and stimulating partnerships in agricultural activities.

The event is organized following the visit to Berlin in January by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, where he requested additional support needed in the activities of transposing the EU acquis into the legislation of our country.

Photo: MAIA