Moldovan farmers can now apply for financing from the 100 million euros credit offered by the Polish government to boost the competitiveness of Moldovan agriculture, IPN reports.
Attending the launch of the project, Polish Ambassador Artur Michalski noted that Poland regards Moldova as a close country to be helped on its path towards the EU. The diplomat stressed that recent parliamentary elections gave the country a chance to continue its European course, but also showed how divided society is. Artur Michalski hopes that Polish support will contribute to the unification of society.
The diplomat recalled that when Poland prepared to join the EU, the rural people were the most scared by this prospect, but 10 years after the accession, nobody doubts the benefits of this process. Artur Michalski hopes that Polish assistance will help to improve the quality of life for the rural population in Moldova.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Vlad Loghin, said that Moldova was looking forward to this credit and is ready to make the most of it.
Petru Maleru, head of the Agency for Interventions and Payments in Agriculture, stated that in the upcoming days a team will be formed to be in charge of the project's implementation. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be involved as well and will share its own expertise.
The Agency for Interventions and Payments in Agriculture signed an agreement of collaboration with the CCI, that stipulates the provision of information regarding financing opportunities to businesses, the identification of foreign partners and providers of equipments, training services, expertise and evaluation.
The Polish government has offered Moldova a credit of 100 million euros, 90 of which are meant for the restructuring of the agricultural sector, especially of farms specialized in traditional products like meat or milk and other competitive products. The credit is granted for 25 years, at an annual rate of 0.15% and a grace period of 5 years. Beneficiaries will receive funding for 5-8 years, with interest rates of up to 1.5% and grace periods of up to 4 years, on a first-come, first-served basis.