OREANDA-NEWS. October 08, 2013. Estonia will finance regional development projects in Moldova starting from 2014.

In this context, Regional Development and Construction Minister Marcel Raducan and Regional Development Minister of Estonia Siim Kiisler today set priorities of regional development projects, that will be jointly implemented starting from next year, the Regional Development and Construction Ministry’s (MDRC) press service has reported.

The two officials met at the MDRC headquarters and discussed the development regions in Moldova, the role and specific activities of the North, Centre and South Regional Development Agencies. Also, the discussions were focused on the implementation of projects, as well as on procedures for getting funds from the National Fund for Regional Development.

Minister Marcel Raducan thanked his Estonian counterpart for collaborations initiated within the signed Partnership Agreement, noting the twinning of the development regions, the building of MDRC employees’ capacities through study visits, exchange of experience, etc. The minister also said that the main objective of the regional development was the Moldovan settlements’ balanced social and economic improvement. Thus, the MDRC priorities are to develop the infrastructure: roads, water and sewerage supply, public services, communications, etc. by implementing projects.

For his part, Regional Development Minister of Estonia Siim Kiisler expressed willingness to support Moldova to attract and absorb EU funds, including through strengthening institutional capacities and developing the local labour market.