French experts to consider opportunities of support for Moldova's economic, social development

Chisinau, 22 March /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu, along with more advisers today had a working meeting with a team of the French Development Agency (AFD) Group and of the Expertise France Agency, on an exploring mission in Moldova, the presidential press service has reported.

During several days, the French experts will examine opportunities of support for the social and economic development of Moldova, as well as possibilities of backing reforms. The mission comes following discussions which the head of state, held during her working visit to Paris in last February and the support expressed by the French authorities for the programme of reforms and combating corruption, suggested by President Maia Sandu.   

„At the today’s discussions, I pointed out the sectors of investments which I regard as priority for Moldova: launching a national afforestation programme, which would reduce the effects of the climate changes on the agriculture and people’s lives; strengthening the energy efficiency of the residential sector; creation of the infrastructure on supply with water and sewerage in communities; waste management, ensuring the energy security. At the same time, I asked for support to encourage the private initiative through the support of small- and medium enterprises with new, cheaper financial instruments and access to the business consultancy,’’ President Maia Sandu said.     

During the day, the AFD and Expertise France experts also had individual discussions with presidential advisers from the economic, energy, justice and health sectors for specifying the priorities established above. Till the end of this week, the mission will continue discussions also with representatives of more ministries, agencies, donor institutions, private companies from Moldova, French investors and civil society’s representatives.   

AFD will consider the proposals collected and will decide on a programme on comprehensive support for Moldova which, according to the French experts, would represent ‘’a long-term investment in the Moldovan-French bilateral relations.’’  

A new presence in the region, AFD will work in coordination with other international financial institutions which work in Moldova. ‘’The launch of the AFD’s work in Moldova is essential for the creation of new jobs and ensuring a more solid pace of economic development,’’ the head of state said.

The French delegation is made up of AFD experts, representatives of Expertise France – an agency which provides technical expertise for international development projects financed by AFD and experts of Proparco, an AFD subdivision specialized in the support of the private sector and investments in infrastructure and social sector projects.

photo: presedintie.md