Moldova takes part in eighth ILO Regional Meeting

A tripartite delegation of Moldova is participating in the eighth European Regional Meeting of the International Labor Organization (ILO) from February 10. The meeting is held in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a communiqué from the ILO Office in Moldova. Once in four years, the European Regional Assembly convokes political, economic and social players from the countries of the region to discuss issues related to the ILO member states. This year, the subjects concern the assessment of decent work trends, employment policies, working conditions in the region during 2004 – 2008, identification of solutions for optimizing the joint measures aimed at reducing labor market rigidity, increasing work productivity for sustainable economic development, reducing discrimination and forced labor and other issues, the communiqué says. Ala Lipciu, national ILO coordinator in Moldova, said that this year the Assembly’s program includes a high level panel discussion with Prime Ministers from four European countries, including Moldova, on the negative impact of the world financial crisis and methods of reducing its consequences through concerted effort between countries and at regional level. Moldova’s Premier Zinaida Greceanii, who is now in Portugal on a working visit, will deliver a speech about the policies and measures implemented nationwide, aimed at alleviating the effects of the world crisis. During an informal meeting, the labor ministers will debate measures that must be taken to cope with the social and occupational impact of the crisis and enhance economic competitiveness for sustainable development. The eighth European Regional Meeting of the International Labor Organization in Lisbon is held between February 9 and 13. The Republic of Moldova became an ILO member in 1992.