Moldovan farmers will receive agricultural machinery worth nearly $19 million from Japan, according to an agreement with the Tokyo authorities the two states have signed today. 

The document provides a loan through which the Moldovan authorities undertake to modernize agriculture, to support local businesses as well as to increase productivity by equipping them with modern device, in affordable conditions.

The loan that Moldova is to receive will be granted for a period of 40 years, with a grace period of 12 years, with an annual rate of 0.10 percent.

"The Japanese loan comes at a very difficult time for Moldovan farmers. It's a real support in the acquisition of agricultural machinery and equipment. We are confident that this loan will effectively contribute to increasing food production and stabilizing the country's economy," declared the Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleg Ţulea.

For his part, the Japanese Ambassador said that in the last 20 years, Japan has supported the Republic of Moldova and will continue to do so, especially during the pandemic, when dozens of farmers were also affected by weather conditions.

"Currently, in the Republic of Moldova, we are in a difficult situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic and by the unfavorable weather conditions as well. We want the efficient agricultural equipment acquired through this assistance to be used efficiently by farmers in the country, "said Japan's Ambassador to Moldova Katayama Yoshihiro.

It remains unclear what conditions farmers will have to meet in order to benefit from these agricultural machinery. According to the spokesperson from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ecaterina Staci-Grigorean, a guide will be elaborated that will contain all the necessary specifications.