● MONDAY, July 10
Ministry of Energy intends to develop centers for testing energy solutions
The Ministry of Energy intends to develop test centers for innovative solutions in the field of energy and decarbonization, known as “sandboxes”. The idea was discussed with representatives of the Western NIS Enterprise Fund, an American investment fund that supports small and medium-sized companies.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Energy, the goals are to reduce energy bills through energy efficiency measures and to implement innovative technologies. Minister Victor Parlicov gave the example of an electric car whose battery can also serve as an energy generator for a home.
Repair work starts on Chisinau Airport’s main runway
Chisinau (IPN)
Repair work has started on the main runway of the Chisinau International Airport, to be completed by September 6.
The 3,590-meter-long and 45-meter-wide Runway 08/26 will see routine maintenance and current repair.
● TUESDAY, July 11
Japan supports enhancement of resilience and competitiveness of Moldova
The Government of Japan will offer the Government of the Republic of Moldova, through JICA, a concessional loan of up to 13.5 billion yen, which is equal to about US$100 million. The budget support will be used to alleviate the impact of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine on Moldovans and Ukrainian refugees and to support reforms in Moldova so as to enhance the country’s resilience and competitiveness.
Entrepreneurs can access grants to enhance export competiveness
The entrepreneurs can apply for up to 600,000 lei in grant funding according to the 1+1 principle by pledging to make a contribution similar to the grant to improve export competiveness. The mechanism is implemented by the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) and is financially supported by the World Bank Group.
European Parliament extends suspension of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports
The European Parliament voted to extend by one year the suspension of import duties and quotas on products exported from Moldova to the EU. MEP Siegfried Muresan said that the goal is to offer Moldova increased access to the European market given that the war in Ukraine has powerfully affected the country’s international trade.
● WEDNESDAY, July 12
Mihai Popșoi: It is opportune to concede airport to responsible business entity from EU
The state does not efficiently manage important and intricate assets, such as the airports. Therefore, it is opportune to concede the Chisinau International Airport, said Deputy Parliament Speaker Mihai Popșoi. According to the government’s representative, the new manager of the airport should be a serious business entity from the EU with experience in business management.
European track gauge to appear on lines to Chisinau
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) consider that the European track gauge on lines to Chisinau should be deployed as a first step to improving connections between Romania and Moldova, IPN reports, with reference to a press release of the EIB.
Taxi platform holders will be obliged to register these in Moldova
The holders of taxi platforms and applications will be obliged to register these in the Republic of Moldova. A legislative initiative in this regard was presented by PAS MPs Marina Morozova and Alexandr Trubca in a press briefing.
According to Marina Morozova, after registration, these platforms will be fiscally responsible on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
67 public buildings to be re-connected to central plant systems
The Parliament building, the Presidential Palace and 65 other public edifices will be re-connected to central plant systems under a Government resolution adopted on Wednesday.
As central plant systems rely on cogeneration, which is a mechanism that produces heat and electricity simultaneously, the measure is expected to save fuel, specifically 4.7 million cubic meters of gas per year. This will translate to a saving of 27.8 million KWh of electricity and 66.9 million gigacalories of heat energy per year.
● THURSDAY, July 13
Savings can help persons to overcome financially difficult moments, podcast
If a person saves a particular amount of money each month, even a small one, the savings can help them to overcome a period with difficulties, when prices rise and inflation is high, Bianca Isaincu, policy analyst on financial literacy and sustainable funding at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) based in Paris, stated in a financial education podcast of the series “Give sense to money”.
Alexandru Ursu named NAER director
Parliament named Alexandru Ursu director of the Board of Directors of the National Agency for Energy Regulation (NAER) on Thursday. Until recently, Alexandru Ursu served as head of the Natural Gas and Heat Department of the NAER. He won the public contest staged by the legislative body by obtaining the highest score among the candidates admitted to the interview stage.
● FRIDAY, July 14
Derails about state social contributions after switchover to independent activity
For private individuals who carry out independent activity and were registered as payers of contributions before July 1, the social insurance contribution for July 1-31 will be 1,225 lei. For persons who were registered as payers in the course of July 2023, the social insurance contribution will be calculated since the date of registration.
● SATURDAY, July 15
About 250,000 ha of farmland fall into decay
In Moldova, approximately 250,000 hectares of the total of 2 million hectares of farmland are not cultivated. Over 115,000 ha of these are situated in the center of the country, while over 81,000 ha are located in southern Moldova. A part of the owners of these lots died. To solve the problem, the authorities designed a new Land Code by which to enable the mayor’s offices to manage the abandoned areas and to lease them out to business entities if these haven’t been cultivated for two consecutive years, IPN reports, quoting RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service.