Prime Minister Pavel Filip and Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Alain Pilloux held a meeting on Tbilisi Belt and Road Forum 2017, in Georgia, on 27 November. The sides discussed the Moldova-EBRD partnership and the possibilities for its consolidation, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.
The premier expressed gratitude for the continuous support offered by the EBRD in the implementation of ample programmes on Moldova’s modernization. In the context, he said that the government is currently involved in a comprehensive reform program, including strengthening the capacity of public authorities to manage external assistance. The new EBRD Strategy for Moldova for 2017-2022, due to be approved by late November, will also contribute to this goal.
Also, the officials pointed out the importance of resetting the banking system to ensure proper implementation of the new program. In the context, Filip welcomed the EBRD’s involvement in the rehabilitation of the sector, so that several Moldovan banks should be involved in cooperation with international financial institutions.
The premier appreciated the EBRD’s assistance to ensure the country’s energy security, as well as the support to the rehabilitation and extension of the transport infrastructure. In this sector, it is aimed at connecting the transport networks of Moldova to the trans-European transport network.
For his part, Alain Pilloux reiterated the support in carrying out investment projects in the country. At the same time, the official confirmed the willingness to grant the second installment of the loan for rehabilitation of the Moldovan Railways. The loan of the EBRD and EIB amounts to 55 million euros. Pilloux also highlighted the importance of ensuring the electricity interconnection between Moldova and Romania.
Since the beginning of activity in Moldova, the EBRD has financed 117 projects worth over 1.1 billion euros. The current portfolio of the EBRD in our country is 485 million euros. 70 per cent of the amount is earmarked for the implementation of infrastructure projects.
