OREANDA-NEWS.May 05, 2012. To implement this project our country will also be given a USD 4.4 million Global Environment Facility (GEF) grant.

In particular, the credit will be allotted to Moldova by the International development Association, a member of WB. The money will be extended for 25 years with 5-year long grace period and 0,75% p.a. for service. The interest rate will make 1,25%. The Project aims to support the reforms by the government of Moldova designed to enhance the competitiveness of Moldova's agro-food sector, to increase export from Moldova, attract investments and facilitate trade integration of Moldova into Europe.

In particular, one of the objectives is to support farmers of Moldova by backing modernization of post-harvesting infrastructure, to support institutional development by creating and consolidating farmers groups. The Project is also aimed at supporting the modernization of the food safety management system; facilitating market access for farmers and mainstreaming agro-environmental and sustainable land management practices.

The Project is available for users from private and public sectors and agricultural associations. For example, the assistance will be rendered to the National Food Safety Agency and its subsidiaries providing safety of food, plants, animals, etc. Since Moldova joined the World Bank in 1992, a total of USD 880 million have been allocated to 42 operations in the country.

Currently, the World Bank portfolio includes 11 active projects with total commitments of USD 281 million. Areas of support include education, social assistance, e-governance, healthcare, energy, agriculture, business development, and others.