Government to take measures to offset rise in charges

Prime Minister Vlad Filat said the Government identified solutions for reducing the impact of the recent rises in charges on the socially deprived groups of people. Filat made related statements in a meeting with the World Bank Country Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Martin Raiser, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the Government's press service. The officials discussed the socioeconomic situation in Moldova, the earlier agreements reached with the donors and the implementation stage of a number of infrastructure projects and analyzed possibilities of providing social assistance to the population in overcoming the financial difficulties resulting from the rise in natural gas, electric power and water charges. The Premier said the Government is determined to promote the reforms needed to stabilize the economy and stimulate economic growth and intends to support to disadvantaged groups by compensating the difference between the old and new charges. “Very soon, we will take steps to provide financial support to those who really need it in order to overcome this difficult period. We analyzed the situation and know what we have to do. We will formulate laws that will define the given methodology,” Filat said. Martin Raiser reiterated the WB's intention to continue assisting Moldova in implementing reforms. He said that in 2010 the World Bank will offer US$80 million to Moldova in financial assistance to promote competitiveness enhancement projects, the Social Investment Fund Project and for development and health polices. He also said that the Bank is ready to provide consultative support in preparing the next Donors' Consultative Group Meeting scheduled for March this year.