Japan reconfirms status of strategic partner for development of Moldova's agricultural sector

The consolidation of the Moldovan-Japanese partnership in the agro-industrial sector was the main topic of a today’s meeting between Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Ludmila Catlabuga and Ambassador of Japan to Moldova Kazuyuki Takeuchi. The officials reviewed the successes of joint projects and outlined directions for future cooperation, with a focus on the technological modernization of local farms.

During the discussions, Minister Ludmila Catlabuga expressed gratitude for the constant support provided by Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The long-term partnership has enabled the implementation of vital programmes that have transformed Moldova’s agriculture, giving producers access to advanced technologies and digital solutions.

“Our farmers greatly appreciate this support, which has materialized in visible investments and more competitive businesses. We want this cooperation to continue, as Japan is a reliable partner with whom we have managed to modernize numerous production processes,” the minister emphasized.

A key point on the meeting’s agenda was the preparation of the MAME 2 project, which is currently in the approval stages. This initiative is meant to support agricultural enterprises in their efforts to increase productivity and become more resilient to climate change. At the same time, the project will play a crucial role in aligning the agricultural sector with European Union quality standards, thus facilitating access for Moldovan products to international markets.

The cooperation between the two states, carried out through the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA), has generated more results since 2021 till present. They include eight major projects successfully implemented for farmers; substantial investments in state-of-the-art agricultural machinery and modern equipment for the livestock sector; the implementation of renewable energy systems and digital solutions to improve resources’ efficiency; the provision of fertilizers, plant protection products and comprehensive training programmes for farmers.

The meeting concluded with the reconfirmation of both sides’ commitment to maintaining a dynamic dialogue, with Japan remaining one of the main supporters of the process of transforming Moldova’s agriculture into a modern and high-performing sector.