The US Government will provide $3.1 million to the Republic of Moldova

The US Government will provide $3.1 million to the Republic of Moldova

• 07.10.2009

On October 7th, Prime Minister Vladimir Filat met representatives of a mission of the US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), led by deputy head for the elaboration of Compact programmes, Darius Teter, on a 6-8 October working visit to Moldova. The sides tackled subjects on the implementation of the Compact programme, as well as the procedures which are to be carried out till the Compact Agreement is signed and enters into force. Darius Teter informed the prime minister that the procedure of notification of the US Congress was completed, which allows starting negotiations between the MCC and the Moldovan government on the Compact assistance agreement. Attending the meeting, US Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Moldova Asif J. Chaudhry stressed the importance that the sides observe the contractual obligations. "It is just the first step in the process of starting a long-lasting cooperation. We hope that we will be able to extend this assistance in the long run," the ambassador said. An agreement on grant worth 3.1 million dollars was signed at the meeting. The money will be used to finance a limited number of activities which will be carried out till the Compact Programme is signed. These activities concern the signing of a contract with the Financial Agent, consultants on acquisitions, as well as to set up unit in charge of the subsequent implementation of the Compact Programme - Moldova Millennium Challenge Fund (Moldova MCF). The prime minister expressed thanks to the US Government for the assistance provided to achieve the country|s development objectives. "Moldova|s government committed to promote reforms, and these reforms need support. In this respect, we are grateful for the understanding and support of our aspirations. We are aware of the fact that there are many drawbacks too. I refer to the problem of trafficking of people and the one of combating corruption. The government assumes responsibility to overcome these problems in relation with the foreign partners, as well as in the relation with the Moldovan citizens who are expecting prompt actions. We will act energetically to this end," Vladimir Filat said. The prime minister stressed that the government will strictly monitor the implementation of the concerned project. He also that the executive will ensure a maximum transparency of the process of investing the financial resources offered by the country|s partners, so that the public opinion knows exactly the destination of each provided dollar. "I reiterate, on this occasion too, our message that we will further be very open to carry out new projects. In the shortest time, we will identify a competent team of negotiators, represented at the highest level, which will discuss with the Corporation with a view to signing the Compact Agreement till late 2009," the prime minister specified. The MCC presented the country proposal for the Compact assistance in late February 2008. The proposal was subsequently subject to a vast process of assessment and giving the final touches. Under the MCC|s procedures, the negotiations between the Moldovan government and the Corporation on the Compact assistance agreement are to start at present. The Millennium Challenge Corporation was created by the US Congress in 2004, and aims at providing substantial assistance to low-income states to stimulate the economic growth.