OREANDA-NEWS. December 09, 2013. This is stated in the statement of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. State Department “The United States and Moldova: partners for European integration, democratic and economic development”, devoted to the visit of the Secretary of State John Kerry to Moldova.

 In support of Moldova's economic growth, the United States is working to strengthen core Moldovan export-oriented industries, including wine, information communication technology, high-value agriculture, fashion, tourism, and home furnishings, and is supporting policy-level and regulatory reform to improve the business environment and attract increased investment. In 2013, the United States provided USD 6.4 million in support of these activities. In addition, Moldova signed a five-year, USD 262 million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact in 2010 which is rebuilding 93 kilometers of road in northern Moldova, providing the country with a modern transportation corridor.

The compact is also helping Moldova make the transition to high-value agriculture through strengthening agribusiness sector capacity and supporting irrigation projects on the Prut and Nistru rivers. It is noted that over the last 20 years, U.S. assistance to Moldova has totaled more than USD 1.1 billion. Recognizing that fighting corruption is central to improving Moldova’s business climate, as well as locking in its European future, the United States spent more than USD 4.5 million in 2013 on programs to strengthen the rule of law.

These funds help strengthen judicial administration, increase the skills of judges and prosecutors, and support civil society advocacy and public awareness campaigns about justice sector reforms and legislation. To ensure the integrity of Moldova’s borders, and help meet EU visa liberalization requirements, as well as strengthen Moldova’s law enforcement capabilities, the United States spent USD 4.4 million this year on various programs to enhance Moldova’s capacity to combat transnational crime, particularly trafficking in persons, cyber crime and the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials.

These programs have also worked to improve Moldova’s export controls, as well as increase the capacity of Moldova’s customs and border security services in line with EU standards.