The British Government will provide ₤1.5 million to Moldova for regional development. A memorandum to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Vlad Filat and British Ambassador in Chisinau Keith Shannon on July 28, Info-Prim Neo reports. Vlad Filat thanked the British Government for the support provided to Moldova in developing the economic policies, promoting economic growth and reducing poverty, especially in rural areas. The money will be used in such areas as: water supply and sewerage, development of tourism and infrastructure services and businesses, ecological development, road infrastructure. This direct support to the budget complements the ₤2.9 million technical cooperation in regional development project implemented in concert with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. “In order to obtain this budget support, Moldova had to fulfill the commitments made to its development partners, namely to create and run regional development councils and agencies in three regions – Nord, in Balti municipality, Centru, in Ialoveni, and Sud, in Cimislia,” Vlad Filat said. The Government also approved the National Development Strategy and development strategies for every region. About 135 million lei was earmarked this year for the regional development fund. 89 of the 135 regional development projects submitted will be financed. For his part, Keith Shannon said the British Government will further support the Government of Moldova in its efforts to implement political and economic reforms and make progress on the path to European integration.