● MONDAY, August 21
Moldovan honey export price ‘barely covering production costs’
Moldovan beekeepers do have markets where to export their honey, but the prices they are offered are so low they barely cover production costs, Ion Maxim, president of the National Association of Beekeepers..
About 3,400 tonnes of honey were exported last year, according to Maxim. “But this year export prices plummeted. We are offered ridiculously low prices. And we don’t have any deals (to export)”. Maxim says that the National Association of Beekeepers, together with the Association of Exporters and the Investment Agency, are always looking for new export markets. Moldovan beekeepers are waiting for exhibitions that will be held in Romania, Germany and France to promote their goods and secure better deals.
Government allocates 200 million lei to aid farmers
The Government on Monday has decided to allocate 200 million lei from its rainy-day fund for farmers. According to Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, the aid aims to support about 3,000 micro and small farmers so that they can continue their work to provide the population of Moldova with food.
The handouts are expected to help farmers process 280,000 hectares of land cultivated with first group crops.
Several options of registering rental contracts made available for individual owners
Individuals who rent out property, including through the online platforms Booking and Airbnb, are required to register the rental agreements with the State Fiscal Service.
The State Fiscal Service says that owners are required to register the contracts within seven days from concluding. A monthly tax of 7% of the contract value shall apply, payable no later than on the 25th of the current month.
Moody’s changes outlook on Moldova’s rating from negative to stable
The international bond credit rating agency Moody’s has changed the outlook on Moldova’s rating from negative to stable and affirmed the Moldovan government’s foreign and local currency issuer ratings at B3.
The Government’s spokesperson Daniel Vodă noted in a press conference on Monday that, according to Moody’s, Moldova has made significant progress in improving energy security.
Alexandru Slusari: 200 million lei not enough to help farmers
After the Government on Monday decided to allocate 200 million lei from its rainy-day fund to help struggling farmers, Alexandru Slusari commented on his Facebook account that the amount is “six times smaller” than necessary, in addition to being “overdue”.
● TUESDAY, August 22
Air Moldova further suspends flights, this time until mid-September
Air Moldova has announced it is extending the suspension of its flights until September 14 inclusive. Passengers will be notified by email with the refund and rebooking options.
First electric bus made in Moldova unveiled
The first electric bus with in-motion charging manufactured in Moldova has been unveiled by Informbusiness, a company specializing in automotive electronic equipment. Capable of traveling 70 km autonomously, the bus meets all international standards.
● WEDNESDAY, August 23
Moldovans build less, renovate more
In the first half of this year, fewer constructions were initiated in Moldova than in the same period last year. The total volume of constructions in comparable prices decreased by 8%, revealed the National Bureau of Statistics. In particular, the volume of current maintenance and repair works decreased by 22.6%, but also that of new construction works by 13.3%.
● THURSDAY, August 24
Air Moldova’s license suspended
The Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air Moldova’s air operator license until the end of October, amid concerns about the airline’s ability to operate a functional fleet.
The Authority said in a press release that “the only aircraft still administrated by Air Moldova was slated to undergo maintenance in April and the process hasn’t been completed since”. Meanwhile, the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate expired on August 21.
At the request of the airline, the Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air Moldova’s license until October 31, 2023.
WB country manager: Authorities need to keep uncertainties under control
The economic contraction of 2022 will be followed this year by a modest growth of 1.8%, the smallest in the region, according to the World Bank’s estimates for Moldova. The WB country manager, Inguna Dobraja, told a financial education podcast that positive growth is already a good thing in itself, and the authorities need to keep uncertainties under control, especially since there is no end in sight for the war in Ukraine.
Air Moldova’s license suspended
The Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air Moldova’s air operator license until the end of October, amid concerns about the airline’s ability to operate a functional fleet.
The Authority said in a press release that “the only aircraft still administrated by Air Moldova was slated to undergo maintenance in April and the process hasn’t been completed since”. Meanwhile, the aircraft’s airworthiness certificate expired on August 21.
At the request of the airline, the Civil Aviation Authority has suspended Air Moldova’s license until October 31, 2023.
Five more Moldovan dishes get Traditional Specialty Guaranteed status
Another five Moldovan dishes got Traditional Specialty Guaranteed status after being registered as such by the Moldovan Intellectual Property Agency.
All these dishes represent the culinary and cultural heritage of Ștefan Vodă district and were submitted for registration by the “Nistrul de Jos Meleag Natal” NGO.
Average gross nominal monthly salary in 2022 was 10,447 lei
The nominal gross average monthly salary of an employee in 2022 was 10,447 lei, up 16.3% compared to 2021. While salaries increased, the number of employees decreased by 1.3%, shows data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The highest salaries were recorded in information and communications, financial and insurance activities and production and supply of electricity and heat, gas, hot water and air conditioning. Meanwhile, the lowest salaries were received by employees in accommodation and public catering services, agriculture, forestry and fishing and art, recreation and leisure activities.
● SATURDAY, August 26
Daniel Vodă: In Kyiv, Prime Minister Dorin Recean stressed that Crimea is Ukraine
The Moldovan prime minister had a firm message in Kyiv, condemning the Russian military aggression and reaffirming that Crimea is Ukraine, according to the Government’s spokesperson Daniel Vodă.
Wine exports up by over 40%
In the first eight months of this year, wine exports grew in value by 40% from the same period last year, to $105 million. The is also by 27% above the 10-year average, the National Office of Vine and Wine reported.
In the current season, winegrowers expect a lower harvest of grapes, mainly due to the heatwave in August. Specialists estimate the reduction of the harvest by about 25-50 thousand tones compared to last year. It is expected that about 260 thousand tonnes of grapes will be processed.
