International financing for modernization of technical vocational education, agricultural sector of Moldova

Moldova will negotiate two loans to implement major projects in agriculture and technical vocational education. The members of parliament’s foreign policy commission have approved the consultative opinions on initiating negotiations and signing the agreements.

The first opinion concerns a loan of up to 49.1 million euros for the project, Modernization of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment (Phase II). The project aims to facilitate micro, small, and medium-sized agricultural entities’ access to modern machinery and equipment, thereby contributing to their enhanced competitiveness on domestic and foreign markets. The loan will be provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a period of 20 years, at the request of the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry.

The funds will be used to purchase modern agricultural machinery and equipment, including for post-harvest activities. Eligible farmers will be able to acquire this equipment through installment-based sales contracts, facilitated by the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture.

Part of the loan will be allocated to consulting services, including training on cooperation among producers, the application of sustainable cultivation and soil conservation practices, as well as the promotion of Moldovan wines on the Japanese market.

Through another opinion, the commission members approved the initiation of negotiations with the Council of Europe Development Bank for a 33 million-euros-worth loan meant to partially finance the project, Modernization of Technical Vocational Education Institutions, initiated by the Education and Research Ministry.

The project aims to develop accessible, energy-efficient and digitalized educational infrastructure. The funds will be used to modernize the infrastructure of 25 technical vocational education institutions. The project includes the rehabilitation of 24 academic buildings, including workshops and laboratories, equipping them with practical training equipment, as well as the rehabilitation of 23 dormitories. The total value of the project is 80 million euros. Half of this amount represents the contribution of Moldova through the Reform and Growth Mechanism, while the other half will be covered by international grants.

Communication and Public Relations Directorate of Moldova’s Parliament