Martin Raiser: It’s important that government endorses anti-crisis measures now

The economic stability for the development of Moldova’s economy and for attracting investments is a key factor, Martin Raiser, the World Bank regional director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova stated on June 5, Info-Prim Neo reports. Raiser says the Moldovan government should approve a set of documents on anti-crisis policies now, not later, when a new parliament is elected. He assesses the economic situation of Moldova as difficult, but it’s not an exception in the region, given the global crisis. “It’s very important now to keep the jobs ands create new ones. And certainly amendments need to be made to the budget, since the incomes dropped significantly. One shall tell people that certain things planned won’t be accomplished or will be later,” Raiser said. The WB official says the actions meant to improve the business climate in the country need to be more energetic and adequate. “One must not forget that if Moldova were among the first 50 countries in terms of investment attractiveness, and not on position 105 as it is, it would have more chances to convince investors to come and stay in this country,” he said. Martin Raiser reconfirmed that the World Bank considers to give Moldova $10 million more for the project on competitiveness enhancement in Moldova. Referring to the support the World Bank gives to Moldova, Melanie Marlett, the WB country manager for Moldova, has said the additional financing for the RISP II project worth $10 million, approved on May 14 by the WB Board, will be available for rural entrepreneurs after the parliament ratifies it.