Moldova registered a significant economic increase – WB official

Impressed by the Republic of Moldova and its people during his first visit in Chisinau, the World Bank Regional director, Mr. Jan Willem van der Kaaji thanked in a letter the prime-minister, Vasile Tarlev for the opportunity to understand better „the progress obtained by Moldova, perspectives and challenges it is confronting with in achieving medium and long term objectives. According to a press release of the Government, quoted by Info-Prim Neo, Jan Willem van der Kaaij writes that he was impressed by Mr. Tarlev’s devotion regarding the fight with poverty and creating sustainable economic growth. According to the official, WB and Moldova had a productive cooperation and now, in a critical situation for the country, the Bank is receptive to the necessities of the Government and offers active support in implementing economic reforms and those related to the social and economic fields. The shocks coming from outside impose a hard pressure over the Government. Over the last few years, Moldova registered high paces of economic growth and poverty reduction, and it is important that the Government settles its activities on the basis of the medium and long term objectives, without compromising the already obtained results, the message signed by t Jan Willem van der Kaaij says. He visited Chisinau at the beginning of July. During the meeting with the Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev, the official declared that WB is willing to offer support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova in order to diminish the negative impact over the population related to the increase in price of natural gas. The WB official mentioned about the evolution of Moldova in carrying out economic growth, as well as implementing EGPRSP. At the same time, Jan Willem van der Kaaij said that WB will further support the Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper in Moldova. During the last 14 years, the World Bank implemented in Moldova 68 projects amounting to USD 600 mln. At the moment the total WB engagements constitute USD 174.4 mln, with disbursements of 20% for 2006.