● MONDAY, October 7
Gas stored in Ukraine is safe and can be extracted at any time, official
The Republic of Moldova stores in Ukraine almost half of the volume of 47 million cubic meters of natural gas that represents the security stores. Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov discussed with his Ukrainian counterpart German Galushchenko the security of these stores. According to the Ukrainian side, the gas stored by the Republic of Moldova is safe and can be accessed and extracted at any time.
The discussions took place in Kyiv. Victor Parlicov reiterated that the Republic of Moldova is ready for any scenario, even after the Ukraine-Russia gas transit contract expires on January 1, 2025.
Lower apple harvest this year
Producers estimate a harvest of 450,000 tonnes of apples this year, by 14% less than the previous year. A reduction in the amount of gathered apples is also reported in the European Union, IPN reports, referring to a press release of “Moldova Fruct” Association.
● TUESDAY, October 8
Building energy efficiency services market can attract investments of €1bn, minister
The works to make buildings energy efficient will reduce energy bills and increase comfort in homes. They will also contribute to the economic growth of the Republic of Moldova. It is estimated that the building energy efficiency services market in Moldova can attract investments of €1 billion in the coming years, Minister of Energy Victor Parlicov stated at the International Investor Connect Forum on Innovative Solutions for Scaling-up Energy Efficiency in Buildings.
When is it reasonable or unreasonable to take out a loan
To better understand whether it is worth it for people to borrow in certain situations, they need to weigh the potential benefits and risks of the loan and critically assess their capacity to repay. Generally speaking, the decision to take out a loan is reasonable if the person has a good capacity to repay and if the purpose for which the loan is taken will bring a higher income in the future. The National Bank of Moldova tells about the characteristics of a rational behavior of individuals in terms of lending in a series of articles produced in partnership with the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”.
Gas consumption in September lower than a year ago
As many as 17.8 million cubic meters of gas were consumed this September, which is by 32.2% less compared to the same period last year. As against this August, the volume increased by 3.8 million cubic meters or by 27.5 percent.
According to JSC Moldovagaz, household consumers by September 30 paid 98.8% of the billed amounts. In the case of non-household consumers, payments represented 98.7%.
Linella owner wants to buy Fourchette network. Competition Council’s clarification
LLC Moldretail Group, which owns the supermarket chains Linella and Fidesco, intends to procure 100% of the share capital of the enterprise Fourchette-M. The Competition Council says it is considering the notification of an economic concentration through this acquisition.
“We hoe by hand and minimize use of herbicides”. A farmer’s success story
An entrepreneur from Edineț, Vasile Cherdivară, took up farming with his sons on an area of 25 hectares. Later they extended the area and now annually produce between 1,300 and 1,500 tonnes of vegetables grown based on drip irrigation. The family business has prospered thanks to European grants, the entrepreneur confesses.
● WEDNESDAY, October 9
Public service obligation for Moldovagaz extended by one year
The public service obligation for Moldovagaz as a gas supplier of last resort has been extended for another year. A decision in this regard was taken by the Board of Directors of the National Agency for Energy Regulation.
Tire labelling becomes mandatory
All tires intended for motor vehicles are to be mandatorily labelled. The tire label will contain the QR code for quick access to the European database, name or trademark of the supplier, tire code, tire size specifications, load capacity index and speed rating symbol, according to the UN standards.
Vacation in Vienna and European money helped Olesea Plugaru start meat business
A vacation spent in Austria changed the life of Olesea Plugaru from Moldova. She spent a few days with her husband in Vienna and was delighted to see how the people there stood in line for baked knuckle. Inspired by this business idea, the spouses returned to Moldova being sure that they can build such a business model at home.
The enterprise was developed thanks to the “Women in Business” Program managed by the Organization for the Development of Entrepreneurship, to which Olesea Plugaru applied and obtained a grant of 165,000 lei.
Exemptions in bills for owners of apartments with thermally insulated exterior walls
The owners of apartments that have thermally insulated exterior walls will be exempt from paying the thermal energy intended to maintain the energy balance of the building. At the proposal of the Ministry of Energy, the Cabinet approved updates to the regulations on the provision and payment of communal and non-communal services. According to the authorities, the measure is meant to support citizens who invested in the improvement of the energy efficiency of homes, contributing to significant heat bill savings.
● THURSDAY, October 10
Moldova to export table eggs to EU for first time
The first producer from the Republic of Moldova has obtained the right to export eggs for consumption to the European Union market.
● FRIDAY, October 11
Vladimir Bolea and Ursula von der Leyen discuss EU support for Moldovan farmers
Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, met with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The two officials discussed the Agriculture Solidarity and Development Fund, which aims to support farmers affected by natural disasters and climate change. The Deputy Premier referred to the letters he sent to all EU member states, requesting support for this fund. According to the minister, Moldovan agriculture needs a strong partnership with the European Union to face the growing climate challenges.
Farmers accuse government of not honoring promises, threaten with protests
After almost two weeks since the meeting with President Maia Sandu, farmers complain that they do not have any result and nothing of what was promised to them, especially at the discussions on amending the law on drought, was delivered, director of the Farmers’ Force Association Alexandru Badarau told a press conference held in front of the Parliament Building.
Romania donates 12 banknote counting machines to Customs Service
The Moldovan Customs Service received 12 smart banknote counting machines donated by Romania. The equipment will be distributed at border customs checkpoints and customs inspectors will be trained on how to use it.
The cash counting machines will significantly increase the operational capacity in combating the illegal introduction of cash and will ensure a stricter control of financial flows at the border, saidAlexandru Iacub, head of the Customs Service.
● SATURDAY, October 12
Wine Day records: 150,000 visitors, 120,000 bottles sold, 50,000 tasting acts
The National Wine Day celebrated in the Great National Assembly Square of Chisinau attracted over 150,000 visitors who bought more than 120,000 bottles of wine. The event brought together 98 winemakers from all over the country, IPN reports, with reference to a report published by the National Office of Vine and Wine.
According to the Office, with the help of the tasting books that visitors purchased, 50,323 tasting acts were performed, of which 18,794 of white wine, 15,903 of red wine, 5,938 of rosé wine, 8,107 of sparkling wine and 1,581 of cognac.
Internal migration revitalizes Chisinau: in 2-3 years one in three Moldovans will be here
The population of Chisinau municipality represents over 27% of the country’s population. At the same time, 60% of the value of the Gross Domestic Product is generated in Chisinau, and 55% of all the country’s industrial production is concentrated in the capital city. Vyacheslav Ioniță, an expert in economic policies at the Institute for Development and Social Initiatives “Viitorul”, said that the GDP difference between Chisinau and the rest of the country is fourfold and becomes more accentuated every year.
