During four years, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will support the continuous integration of Moldova into the regional and world trading systems within the Moldova Structural Reform Program. The value of the program launched on January 30 is US$11 million, IPN reports.

In the launch, Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Kiril Gaburici said that by joint efforts we can bring Europe at home. “During the last few years, we have witnessed the more accentuated reorientation of external trade from the East to the West. At the same time, the EU countries are the main investors in the national economy with a share of 62.9% of the foreign investment. We bank on the support of the new program that is designed to support the priorities of the Government and the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure related to the good implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement,” stated the minister.

Kiril Gaburici also said that the Moldova Structural Reform Program can provide assistance in promoting reforms aimed at improving the business climate and in making Moldova attractive for foreign investment. It is also important to lay the basis of digital trade and digital economy and the government is ready to make the necessary legislative amendments.

For his part, U.S. Ambassador in Chisinau James Pettit said the launched program forms part of the cooperation between USAID and Moldova and is designed to contribute to a more open, more inclusive and more competitive national economy centered powerfully on the private sector and adjusted to the modern trade rules. “By this project, the U.S. is closer to those who promote economic reforms in Moldova and strengthen the economic relations with the EU by fulfilling the European requirements related to corruption fighting and good governance of state institutions,” stated the diplomat.

James Pettit noted that Moldova continues to transmit messages that show wish to change the internal situation by profound commitments and by aligning the economy to the European standards. The process implies an enormous effort, but this will ultimately help the business entities in Moldova to hold negotiations with those from the EU market and will also help Moldova to occupy a place among the world economies. The Government of Moldova should implement the assumed promises and reforms that will not only bring benefits to the economy, but will also contribute to better living standards for Moldovans.