Japan considering new projects in Moldova aimed to continued development of agricultural sector

Chisinau, Aug 23 /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA) Vladimir Bolea and Executive Director of the Agency for Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA) Maxim Popov met today with Ryosuke Nishihara, Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for Ukraine and Moldova and Hibino Takashi, Senior Director of JICA for Ukraine. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Japan in the agriculture, as well as identifying new development opportunities.

The JICA representatives particularly appreciated the results achieved by the Moldovan government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and ADMA, in harnessing the financial and technical assistance provided by the Japanese people.

The JICA officials also noted that they are carefully analyzing the opportunity to launch new projects in the Republic of Moldova, which would contribute to the continued development of the agricultural sector.

For his part, Vladimir Bolea emphasized the opportunity to launch negotiations for a new preferential loan, MAME 2, which could be offered by JICA through ADMA and aimed at small and medium-sized farmers. He proposed the initiation of new projects by JICA aimed at supporting the modernization of agriculture, the shift to conservation farming practices and the implementation of efficient irrigation systems. "These initiatives would aim to increase the resilience of Moldovan farmers to climate change," Bolea said.

He expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for the substantial contribution made over the years to the development of Moldovan agriculture and emphasized the desire to continue this collaboration in the future. "We reiterate the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to continue working with JICA to ensure the sustainable development of the agro-industrial sector for the benefit of farmers and the national economy," he said.

On July 25, the event was held to hand over a consignment of 33 tractors of Japanese production, as part of the last instalment of the Loan Agreement for the implementation of the Modernization of Agricultural Technology and Equipment project. The initiative is an important step in supporting farmers in the Republic of Moldova, contributing to the modernization and efficiency of agricultural activities.