French Development Agency interested in investing in Moldova

Chisinau, 23 March /MOLDPRES/ - The modernization of the sectors of transport, roads’ infrastructure, energy efficiency and renewable energy, sustainable development were subjects discussed at a today’s meeting with representatives of the French Development Agency (AFD), on a 21-24 March mission to Moldova. The event took place at the headquarters of the Economics and Infrastructure Ministry (MEI).   
According to the AFD regional director for Eurasia, Cécile Couprie, the institution she represents is interested in participating in the carrying out of investment projects in Moldova. ‘’AFD tries to support a sustainable model of development, focused on four priority sectors, such as sustainable urban development, environmental protection and natural resources, assistance for energy transition, as well as the development of an inclusive sustainable economy,’’ Cécile Couprie said.  
Referring to the possibility of implementing investment projects, a state secretary at MEI, Mihail Lupascu, reviewed some important projects, where AFD might consider possibility to provide Moldova with support, among which projects on  the construction and repair of roads, modernization of the transports’ sector, asynchronous interconnection of electric energy networks from Moldova and Romania through the building, endowment and setting to work of a 400-KV overhead power line Isaccea-Vulcanesti-Chisinau and a related Back-to-Back station.   
Statistics data shows that the foreign trade between Moldova and France amounted to over 150 million dollars in 2020. Thus, France ranks 11th among the main Moldova’s commercial partners globally, with a share of 1.91 per cent of the overall foreign trade. Also, 233 enterprises with French capital have been recorded in Moldova so far, with the total foreign direct investments standing at more than 197 million dollars. The IT, agro-food, industrial, energy, financial, commercial sectors, etc. are among the fields benefiting from French investments.     
photo: MEI