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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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EIB to increase support for agricultural investment in MoldovaThe European Investment Bank, the EU’s long-term lending institution, has agreed to increase engagement in Moldova to support agriculture and horticulture, according to a press release from the bank. This follows the success of an earlier lending programme launched in 2010, Filière du Vin, that has supported investment across the Moldovan wine industry. A declaration of intent outlining key areas of future cooperation in the agriculture sector has been signed last week between Wilhelm Molterer, EIB Vice President responsible for the Bank’s activities in the Eastern Neighborhood, and Vasile Bumacov, Minister of Agriculture for the Republic of Moldova. EIB Vice President called it ‘a historic agreement’ that represents the first ever engagement by the European Investment Bank to support national agriculture in the Eastern Partnership, calling it a model for EIB engagement with other countries in the region. ‘The Moldovan government and the EIB share the common goal to help Moldovan companies become more competitive, meet EU and international quality standards, and increase exports to foreign markets, he continued’, he said in his speech. Under the initiative the EIB will consider loans for eligible investment in public and private sector projects. The financing programme will support the entire agricultural and horticulture sector, including planting, farming, post-harvest, processing and logistics Up to 50% of the financing for investment in agricultural projects could be provided by the EIB, with the remainder being provided by local sources or other international finance institutions. The scheme will also cover related research and training, as well as investment improve energy efficiency in the agriculture sector. Over the coming months the EIB will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other bodies to develop an action plan to implement the new initiative. |
Project funded by the European Union
