ECO-BUS WEEKLY DIGEST 21 – 27 June . Most important Economy & Business news by IPN
●MONDAY, June 21
Pensions are only form of tourism that can be effective in Moldova, expert
The pensions are the only form of tourism by which Moldova can attract someone. In 2019, there were 66,000 tourists who stopped at pensions and 46,000 of them were Moldovans, said economic expert Veaceslav Ioniță, of the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul”. In his author program “Economic analyses with Veaceslav Ioniță”, the expert said a pension can survive if its capacity is at least 40% used during a year. In the Republic of Moldova, pensions are used at such a capacity only during three months – in July, August and September. Therefore, the costs are higher, the profit is low and those engaged in this process are discouraged as pensions wait for tourists, but these do not come. Last year, the Republic of Moldova was visited by almost 13,000 tourists fewer than in 2019. The country’s tourist potential in 1992 was of about 300,000 tourists from outside the country, while after the dissolution of the USSR, the number of foreign tourists decreased to 26,000 and throughout the 30 years the Republic of Moldova annually had about 20,000 foreign tourists who came in an organized way, plus about 130,000 tourists who do not come in an organized way, but plan the vacation independently. These stop at hotels, eat in restaurants and behave like tourists, but do not come in an organized way. During 30 years, about 85% of the tourists who visited Moldova come in a non-organized way, while about 15% - in an organized way.
Petru Jardan and former mate from Airport to stand trial
MP Petru Jardan, ex-acting director general of the state-run enterprise Chisinau International Airport, and a former director of the enterprise’s financial-administrative department will be tried. The Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office said that the investigation was completed and the case was sent to court. The two are accused of abuse of power in the interests of an organized criminal group and to the detriment of the interests of the Chisinau International Airport. The two are accused of acting together with the aim of hiding and not respecting the insurance premiums paid to an insurance company, starting with December 24, 2013. The addition al agreement to the main contract wasn’t included in the accounting documents and damage of 3.7 million lei was caused to the state-run enterprise as a result.
● TUESDAY, June 22
NBM employee, ex-special administrator at Unibank, under arrest
An employee of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), who in 2015 was named special administrator at Unibank, was arrested on suspicion that he abused his power in the interests of a criminal group. The Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Special Cases, assisted by the Security and Intelligence Service, is conducting investigations into the bank fraud, namely as regards the release of over €5 million based on the bank guarantees of 2015 under the special administration at Unibank. As a result of searches carried out at the home and in the office of the NBM employee on June 22, there were seized mobile phones, electronic memory devices and notes.
● THURSDAY, June 24
MAIB donates medical equipment worth 1m lei to Emergency Medicine Institute
On the occasion of 30 years of Social Responsibility, Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB) donated medical equipment to the value of 1 million lei to the Emergency Medicine Institute. A part of the medical devices that are intended for the Intensive Care Unit are unique in Moldova and are extremely necessary for saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and not only. MAIB CEO Giorgi Shagidze said that after 30 years of activity, MAIB moves to the next level, with an updated strategy, a new mission, vision, new values and a responsible business model. “The 30-year anniversary of MAIB could not remain in history without thanking the society for all the trust, support and loyalty it has given us over the years. The last two years, we have seen sacrifice, courage, persistence, and dedication of devoted healthcare workers and doctors. This time has revealed the need to support them so that they can do more to help our society and people. It is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to them and to all of you on our anniversary. After 30 years, next level for MAIB will bring many more projects for society, community and the environment,” Giorgi Shagidze.
● FRIDAY, June 25
About 45,000 consumers will benefit from more reliable heating services
Approximately 45,000 consumers in Buiucani will benefit from more reliable heating services during the cold period of the year. This is due to works to modernize 230 meters of heat pipes on Calea Ieșilor St, near the shopping center “Zorile”, which are close to completion. In a press release, the heat supplier Termoelectrica says this project is of major complexity as the teams of workers had to perform multiple operations in a narrow space, under the roadway, so as to prevent the disruption of vehicle traffic. The consumers remained connected to the supply and benefitted from hot water throughout the period of works, being supplied based on a reverse scheme.
Former special administrator at Unibank given 30 days of arrest
The employee of the National Bank of Moldova, who served as a special administrator at Unibank, will spend the next 30 days under arrest, following a decision taken by the Ciocana branch of the Chisinau City Court. The Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime and Special Cases said the case forms part of the so-called bank fraud and refers specifically to the release of over €5 million based on the bank guarantees of 2015 under the special administration at Unibank. The person was arrested as a result of searches carried out at the home and in his office at the NBM. The seized mobile phones, computers and electronic memory devices are to be examined.
● SATURDAY, June 26
Termoelectrica awarded “Golden Mercury” and Quality Goddess statue
Termoelectrica won the Golden Mercury award in the nomination “Important Contribution to Sustainable Development” at the Moldovan Business Gala. For accomplishments in the field of quality, it was also awarded a Quality Goddess statue and the Award for achievements in the field of quality of products and services for 2020 in the “Trademark of the year” contest. The company’s director general Veaceslav Eni said Termoelectrica was awarded at the Moldovan Business Gala for the fifth consecutive year. “This year, we won the most important awards at both of the contests and this shows that the efforts and involvement of Termoelectrica’s team in the modernization of heating services provided to consumers are appreciated,” stated Veaceslav Eni, being quoted in a press release.
MAIB gets three awards at Moldovan Business Gala
Moldova Agroindbank (MAIB) was awarded in the Trademark of the Year 2020 contest at the most important national business event – Moldovan Business Gala. MAIB won three valuable prizes: Diploma of Honor for Integrity, the Debut of the Year Award for the GAMA cards, and Digital Business Award for the MAIBank application. MAIB First Vice President Aliona Stratan said that these important awards are dedicated to the clients and the professional team of MAIB that works daily for success and excellence.
