UN and Romania launch project to improve statistics in Moldova

The United Nations and the Government of Romania launched a project to improve regional statistics. With a total budget of 183,000 Euros, the project will fill in the existing gaps regarding the availability, relevance and accuracy of the statistical data at regional and local level, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to a press release from UNDP, a special attention will be given to the harmonization with the EU standards on regional sub-division and requirements of the Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics (NUTS), which will facilitate the comparability of the Republic of Moldova with the EU-27 and the country’s eligibility to access European funds. Another component of the project envisages the methodological review of the Small Area Deprivation Index which is one of the key tools to monitor and evaluate the implementation of regional development policies. “As an EU member-state, Romania has extensive experience in harmonization with European standards”, said Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Marius Lazurca. “The National Institute of Statistics of Romania is a key partner in this project which will provide the necessary assistance and facilitate the exchange of experience with specialized institutions from Romania.” UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova Nicola Harrington-Buhay said a comprehensive and systematic analysis, based on data, helps national actors and their international partners to know better the problems that exist at regional and local levels. The project “Improvement of availability and reliability of regional statistics for decision-makers of the Republic of Moldova” is part of the UN Joint Program “Strengthening the National Statistical System”, implemented by National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the State Chancellery, the Ministry of Regional Development and Constructions, the Ministry of Economy, and the UN Agencies – UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, ILO and UN Women.