Chisinau, September 24, 2014 — World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Laura Tuck visited Moldova on September 21-24. This was Ms. Tuck’s first visit to the country in her current capacity and an opportunity to discuss with different stakeholders a range of issues concerning the World Bank Group’s partnership with the Republic of Moldova.
During her meetings with the President, Speaker of Parliament, Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, parliamentary political parties and representatives of the donor community, Ms. Tuck discussed Moldova’s current economic and social priorities and the importance of accelerated implementation of reforms. A meeting with private sector leaders addressed the challenges and opportunities facing Moldova’s businesses in light of the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU and the regional context.
“Moldova has tremendous opportunities if it succeeds in addressing critical reform challenges,” said Ms. Tuck. “I have discussed extensively with Moldova’s political leadership the importance of reforms to improve governance and competitiveness, including in the financial sector, and have reconfirmed the World Bank Group’s strong commitment to provide the necessary support to deliver on these priorities.”
On September 22, Ms. Tuck visited two World Bank-supported projects in Chisinau and Radeni village, Straseni County. In Chisinau, accompanied by Minister of Health Usatii, Ms. Tuck toured the surgical building of the Republican Clinical Hospital. The construction of the building was funded through a partnership of the World Bank, the European Union, Council of Europe Development Bank, JICA and the Austrian Government. In addition, under the Health Services and Social Assistance Project, the Bank has supported the modernization of the healthcare system in Moldova, including through the rehabilitation of 79 primary healthcare centers across the country.
In Radeni village, together with Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, Ms. Tuck visited an apple orchard, supported by the Disaster and Climate Risk Management Project. The orchard is a demonstration plot for adaptation to natural hazards and climate variability, and is a successful example of implementing appropriate adaptation techniques through the use of early warning systems, drip irrigation and anti-hail nets. The project is supporting Moldova’s capacity to improve monitoring and response to natural and man-made disasters, and helping farmers to better adapt to natural hazards and climate variability.
Since Moldova joined the World Bank in 1992, over US$1 billion has been allocated to 49 projects in the country. Currently, the World Bank portfolio includes 8 active projects with total commitment of US$235.2 million. Areas of support include regulatory reform and business development, education, social assistance, e-governance, healthcare, agriculture, environment, and others. The International Finance Corporation has invested US$233 million in 24 projects in various sectors, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency has provided guarantees totaling US$95 million. Both institutions are members of the World Bank Group.
