● WEDNESDAY, May 10

Moldova could access funds for infrastructure through European Interconnection Mechanism

The Republic of Moldova will be able to much more efficiently access European funds for transport, energy and digital infrastructure through the agency of the European Interconnection Mechanism. An agreement to this effect was signed in Chisinau by Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Lilia Dabija and European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean, who paid an official visit to Chisinau.

Moldova joins European Interconnection Mechanism as full-fledged member

The Republic of Moldova became affiliated with the European Interconnection Mechanism as a full-fledged member and will be able to access European funds to develop infrastructure as the EU member states do, being the first non-EU member state that gains access to this mechanism. Moreover, even if this mechanism requires the states to pay co-financing, the Republic of Moldova is exempted from paying contribution this year, European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean stated in a news conference.

Price of diesel fuel falls under 19 lei/liter

A liter of diesel fuel will cost less than 19 lei on Thursday. The National Agency for Energy Regulation announced a decline of 0.33 lei in the price of diesel fuel for tomorrow.

This way, standard diesel fuel on May 11 will be sold for at most 18.95 lei a liter. Gasoline COR 95 will cost 23.26 lei/liter, also 0.33 lei down.

Moldova to raise US$100 million preferential loan from Japan

The Government of Japan will offer the Republic of Moldova a US$100 million preferential loan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. A draft decision on the initiation of negotiations was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday.

“Under the loan agreement, the Government of the Republic of Moldova is to take out a loan to the value of about 13.5 billion Japanese yen, which is approximately US$100 million. The objective of the financing is to support the reforms and policies of the Government of the Republic of Moldova by alleviating the impact of the Ukraine war on the refugees and by ensuring the Republic of Moldova’s resilience and enhanced competiveness,” said Minister of Finance Veronica Sirețeanu.

Cabinet approves €5.6 million grant agreement with EBRD for waste management

The Cabinet has endorsed the €5.6 million grant agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for implementing the Moldova Solid Waste Management Project. The grant will contribute to green solid waste management in Ungheni, Calarasi, and Nisporeni.

● THURSDAY, May 11

Vladimir Bolea: Ban on imports from Ukraine will not solve farmers’ problems

The ban on grain imports from Ukraine will not solve the problems of Moldovan farmers, but will lead to additional problems, said Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vladimir Bolea. According to him, the imposition of a ban on Ukrainian grain will lead to the imposition of a ban on the export of fruit and vegetables from the Republic of Moldova by the Ukrainian authorities.

Moldova to join EU Customs program

The Republic of Moldova will join the EU’s Customs program that supports the essential cooperation between customs authorities. The legislative body ratified the relevant agreement with the EU. According to the authorities, the ratification of the agreement will ensure enhanced interaction and coordination of activities between the customs authorities of the Republic of Moldova and the EU as part of the common efforts to secure borders and to facilitate commercial exchanges.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Moldova-China to stage mission to international exhibition in China

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Moldova-China is organizing a mission to the international wine culture and tourism expo that will take place in Ningxia region of the People’s Republic of China during June 8-12. The organizers of the event in China offer the Moldovan exhibitors free places and basic stands. In parallel, an international wine conference will be held during June 9-10 and this will be attended by a Moldovan government delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry.

Eventual banning of fruit exports to Ukraine will considerably affect exporters, statement

An eventual ban on the export of fruit to Ukraine will seriously affect the producers and exporters of fruit and vegetables as Ukraine became a popular market, primarily for particular sorts of fruit, and another such market cannot be found quickly. If this happens, the Government should come up with compensatory and support measures, Iurie Fală, executive director of “Moldova Fruct” Fruit Producers and Exporters Association.

 Moldovan producers can take part in international wine exhibition in China

An international wine exhibition held in the People’s Republic of China offers Moldovan winemakers the possibility of communicating directly with Chinese wine buyers and of better understanding their preferences and the development trends of the consumer market in China, said the president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Moldova-China Boris Foca. In a news conference hosted by IPN, he called on the Moldovan producers to take part in an economic mission to the exhibition in China’s Ningxia, which is staged by the Commerce and Industry Moldova-China.

Interest rates on overnight loans and deposits continue to drop

The National Bank of Moldova has set the base rate for the main short-term monetary policy operations at 10% per year, compared to 14% in March. Also, the interest rates on overnight loans and deposits have been set at 12% and 8% respectively, down by 4 points.

● SATURDAY, May 13

MEP Ramona Strugariu: We want accession negotiations with Moldova to be opened by end of 2023

In addition to the macro-financial assistance offered to Moldova, the European Union has prepared a financing mechanism for projects in transport, energy and digitization, says MEP Ramona Strugariu. According to her, the money intended for these projects will be available starting this coming autumn.

“The Republic of Moldova, a candidate country for accession, is the first country outside the European Union to sign a connection agreement through which it can integrate through the European Interconnection Mechanism. This means that the Republic of Moldova can request funding from the EU for projects that are of common interest in the fields of transport, energy and the digitization. These are significant amounts that the European Union makes available. If things move well and the Republic of Moldova submits funding applications, it could benefit from this funding as early as autumn. We want the accession negotiations to be opened by the end of 2023 and we have every interest in providing financial support and technical assistance for these steps to be taken”, said MEP Ramona Strugariu during a talk show on Radio Moldova .
 
Annual inflation dropped to 22% in March

The annual rate of inflation dropped from 30.2% in December 2022 to 22% in March 2023. Actual inflation in the first quarter of this current year was 0.9 point higher than predicted, the National Bank said.

Fry breeders to receive subsidies

For the first time, the Moldovan government will offer direct subsidies to fry breeding farms. Minister of Agriculture Vladimir Bolea said only this type of pisciculture farms will be eligible.

According to Bolea, no such farms are currently certified in the country, and interested fisheries are urged to request proper certification.