The Ministry of Economy launched a new round to provide financing to small and medium-sized companies from the Partner Funds of the Japanese Grant, Tranches I-IV, to the value of about 12 million lei. Starting with March 18, the entrepreneurs from the country’s districts will be able to apply for financing to buy the necessary technical equipment, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a communiqué from the Economy Ministry, the entrepreneurs can ask for financing of 500,000 lei to 1,000,000 lei for buying a wide range of production equipment in leasing for a period of one year, without pledge. The leasing rate is zero. A zero VAT will be put on the acquisition and importation of the equipment. Exemptions from paying customs duties will be available for the contracts signed before June 30. Priority will be given to the projects that will contribute to increasing the exports and/or the substitution of imports. There will be financed the purchase of low consumption equipment. The deadline for applications is April 5. Detailed information about the application conditions is available on www.jnpga.md or at the phone number (022) 296718, fax: (022) 296719.