Economy Ministry announces tender contest to select projects financially supported by Dutch Government

The Ministry of Economy opened the first tender contest for financing projects within two programs supported by the Government of the Netherlands - ORIO (Facility for Infrastructure Development) and PSI (Private Sector Investment), Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the Ministry. The major sectors for Moldova within the ORIO program are: water – drinking water and sewerage supply and irrigation services; transport – construction and rehabilitation of roads, railroads; public and energy transport - energy efficiency, alternative sources of energy. The ORIO program contributes money at all the stages of the project – from designing the project, making the feasibility study to implementing the project and maintaining and running the facility. The budget of the projects varies between €2 million to €60 million. Depending on the stage of the project, the Government of the Netherlands provides financing of 50% for preparing the project and of 35% for the implementation, maintenance and running stages. The rest of the costs are covered by the Government, with commercial loans and funds provided by international financial organizations. The project proposals are submitted only by the Government through the Ministry of Economy or the ministries responsible for the areas covered by the project. The Private Sector Investment Program stimulates the development of sustainable economic development in transition countries. It encourages the creation of workplaces and contributes to the strengthening of the national private sector. The highest budget for a project is €1.5 million. The Dutch Government provides financing of 50% (at most €750,000). The rest of the money is allocated by the project partners. The tender contests take place twice a year. The project proposals should concern one of the following areas: environment and energy, infrastructure, tourism, agri-industry, information technology, industry, services, research and innovation.