Moldovan Deputy Premier and Economics Minister Valeriu Lazar has had a meeting with Constantin Synadino, the head of the division energy, environment and small and medium-sized enterprises for Russia, Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia of the department for Europe's neighbouring and partner countries of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The public relations service of the Economics Ministry has said that the officials focused on the statute of projects related to transport, drinking water supply and energy sector, as well as eventual priorities for future financing.

In this respect, Constantin Synadino said that so far the EIB has committed to give Moldova 30 million euros. Presently, restoration and supervision works are carried out on the Chisinau-Hincesti highway. In the context, the EIB showed willingness to give another 60 million euros in the next three years for this sector.

Energy efficiency is another financing priority for the EIB. A feasibility survey for the construction of an interconnection power line Suceava (Romania)-Balti (Moldova )is expected to be completed in March and a loan agreement for this project is planned to be signed in the third quarter of 2010.

Moreover, the EIB is also set to provide assistance for the modernization and extension of capacities of the heating and power stations in Moldova, as well as for the construction of underground depots to stock natural gas.

Constantin Synadino also said that the EIB is willing to finance the restoration and construction of water supply and sewerage networks in the towns of Floresti, Soroca, Hincesti, Ceadir-Lunga, Leova and Orhei. A loan agreement for this project will be signed in April-May 2010.

Valeriu Lazar pointed out the need to financially back both the sectors that had been worst hit by the crisis, such as wine making and constructions, and enterprises that need reorganization.

The development of the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises is a new priority for the European Investment Bank. To this end, the bank is set to supply 20 million euros to Moldova.

At the end of the meeting, Valeriu Lazar stressed the openness of the Economics Ministry towards cooperation with the EIB and welcomed the willingness of this organization to invest in Moldova.
Moldpres
[ 2010-03-04 ]