Prime Minister Pavel Filip today had a meeting with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Sumak Chakrabarti, on his working visit to our country. Officials have found good partnership relations between the Republic of Moldova and the EBRD, including through membership of our country within this organization.

The Head of the Executive expressed gratitude for the continued support provided by the EBRD to key areas of cooperation, such as: economic and social development, science and innovation, infrastructure rehabilitation, support for integration into European energy markets and diversification of energy sources.

At the same time, Pavel Filip appreciated the EBRD's support to the Economic Council, which is an efficient platform for dialogue between the Government and the business environment, contributing to the improvement of the regulatory framework for entrepreneurial activity. Some projects in the reform agenda are the reduction of documents, modification of the Labor Code, as well as other important initiatives for the business environment.

The prime minister also referred to the implementation of the central public administration reform, including to increase the capacity of institutions to make effective use of external financial assistance.

In this context, Pavel Filip stressed the importance of the EBRD's assistance to improve the country's energy security in line with the commitments made under the Energy Community Treaty and the EU-Moldova Association Agreement. Particularly, the construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline was highlighted.

In turn, the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development appreciated the Government's efforts to improve the business environment, reduce bureaucracy and ensure stability in the banking sector, which increases the country's attractiveness to investors. Sum Chakrabarti confirmed the EBRD's willingness to further support the Republic of Moldova in implementing reforms aimed at securing sustainable economic development.

Among the priority directions of the EBRD Strategy for the Republic of Moldova for the years 2017-2020 are the restructuring of the banking sector, the improvement of energy security, the support of private enterprises, the promotion of commercial utilities and the improvement of the infrastructure.

Last year EBRD granted Moldova financial assistance worth 131 million euros for the implementation of 10 projects, including the financing of the construction of the Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline, supporting the banking sector, financing of energy efficient measures. Since its inception in our country, the EBRD has funded 122 projects worth over 1.2 billion euros.