Remittances in 2008 rose 35.6%

The Moldovans that work abroad last year sent home through banks $1.651 billion, an increase of 35.6% from 2007, (the data for December are preliminary). $1.320 billion out of this sum was sent through money transfer systems, says a report by the National Bank of Moldova, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. Remittances in euros made up 48.7%, in dollars – 45.4%, in Russian rubles – 5.5%, in other currencies – 0.4%. According to the central bank, at the end of last year remittances fell significantly. In July, remittances totaled $180.79 million, while in November - $111.03 million. The Ministry of Economy and Trade forecast that this year the remittances could drop by $300-350 million. During the last few years, the remittances sent home by the Moldovans working abroad increased at a rate of 40.5% a year, rising threefold – from $317.29 million in 2003 to $1.218,30 billion 2007.