French Development Agency to continue funding strategic projects for Moldova

The French Development Agency (AFD) will continue to assist Moldova in implementing reforms that improve citizens' lives and advance the European integration agenda. The cooperation areas and domains where the country can benefit from support have been discussed at a meeting between Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu and Regional Director of the French Development Agency  Mathieu Vasseur and French Ambassador to Moldova Dominique Waag.

The PM appreciated the agency's alignment with the government’s priorities, noting the extensive portfolio that includes a string of crucial projects for Moldova. AFD provides support in the energy sector - the INSPIREE project (Initiative for Sustainable Public Infrastructure Development through Energy Efficiency Upgrades) involves the energy renovation of 30 public buildings, of which 16 are higher education institutions and 14 are district hospitals. About 200,000 citizens will benefit from the project's results and the annual financial savings will reach 2 million euros.

Another project, valued at 25 million euros, is about increasing the use of green energy in Moldova. It involves the development of renewable sources, modernization of energy infrastructure, implementation of energy efficiency solutions and enhancing consumers’ protection. Besides, AFD will finance irrigation system rehabilitation projects worth over 44 million euros.

Officials also discussed AFD's support in the water supply and sewage, afforestation, social protection, innovation and entrepreneurship sectors. At the same time, the AFD Regional Director expressed the agency's openness to boost cooperation on justice reform, strengthening the rule of law and attracting French investments into the national economy.

The Moldova - AFD Group dialogue was initiated in 2021, and on February 1, 2022, the AFD office was established in Chisinau. The AFD Group has become the main financial partner of the government and the European Commission for the investments pillar of the Moldova Growth Plan.