Polish officials recommend Moldova to be more insistent in drawing European funds

Moldova must be more insistent and draw European funds for projects dealing with the farming sector. The recommendation comes from the minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Poland, Marek Sawicki, who has recently visited Moldova. Speaking about Poland’s experience, Sawicki said that, in the period before joining the European Union, “most important is drawing assistance and funds from Brussels, because there are opportunities.” “Moldova can obtain help from the European Union, but there are certain intricate procedures which must be done exactly, because helps could turn off and, if they are not counted in conformity with the EU’s procedures, they can be suspended,” the Polish minister added when meeting with Moldovan journalists. According to him, the foreign funds can be drawn by means of the local public administrations and non-governmental organizations. “The best way is forming as many wise NGOs as possible, having well-prepared people. In the adherence process, no government of any state is able to solve all the problems alone, it needs the support of the local public authorities, of the population and of the NGOs,” Marek Sawicki added, saying that Moldova “must be insistent.” “During 10 years, as Poland was in the pre-time adherence, it obtained, through the Sapard program, funds allotted by the EU and it used 116% of it,” Poland’s Ambassador to Chisinau Krzysztof Suprowici said. The diplomatic mission’s chief stated that his country is ready to offer Moldova assistance in many sectors. He appreciates that the relationship between these two countries “are developing in a good way.” “2008 is a year of great achievements concerning the bilateral relations between Moldova and Poland. Especially, positive dynamics in the commercial relations between them can be noticed. Last year, according to the Polish statistics, we remarked a business figure of $300 million. This year we shall reach $350 million,” Suprowici said. “Poland is among the first Moldova’s economic partners, ranking the 5th – 7th (import-export). During two years, Poland has become the biggest importer of Moldova’s wines. At the end of 2008, the expected import of Moldova’s wine production will reach $12 million. The third part of the total trade belongs to the Transnistrian region,” he added.