OREANDA-NEWS. February 05, 2014. The Presidents of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will be in the Moldovan capital Chi?inau from 5 to 7 February 2014 for a joint official visit.

 The event will highlight the shared commitment of the two institutions to supporting Moldova’s economic development and reform programme.

This represents the first joint visit of the Presidents of both institutions to a country of operations. In their discussions with the Moldovan President, Prime Minister and senior officials, EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti and EIB President Werner Hoyer will focus on the country’s economic priorities and the contribution that the EBRD and EIB can make to Moldova’s transition.

EIB President Werner Hoyer said: “Moldova is a key country for the EIB’s and EBRD’s shared and complementary engagement in the region, where both institutions have demonstrated a strong commitment to helping modernise crucial infrastructure, create jobs and increase economic competitiveness in recent years. We look forward to continuing our joint engagement with the Moldovan authorities to support further investment in priority sectors. The EIB, as the EU Bank, is committed to continuing support for enhanced integration between Moldova and neighbouring countries. Our close cooperation with the European Commission in Moldova and the valuable contribution of the Neighbourhood Investment Facility enable investment that improves crucial infrastructure in the country.”

“We look forward to continuing our cooperation with the EIB in Moldova and working together with Moldova to achieve greater economic integration and harmonisation with EU standards. The EBRD has a strong track record of promoting transition in the country through its investments, technical assistance and policy dialogue. and we remain committed to supporting the people of Moldova in their ambition for a European future as well as the authorities in driving forward the country’s reform programme,” said EBRD President Chakrabarti.

During the visit the EIB and EBRD leaders will meet with President Nicolae Timofti, Prime Minister Iurie Leanca, Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar, Chairman of Parliament Igor Corman, National Bank Governor Dorin Dragu?anu and Mayor of Chi?inau, Dorin Chirtoaca.

The EBRD President will also have discussions with partners from the private sector and civil society. The EIB President will use the visit to announce significant new cooperation to support development of the agricultural sector in Moldova.

During the visit, the two Presidents will sign an agreement on the latest joint EBRD-EIB project in the country, a loan to support the modernisation of Chi?inau’s water and wastewater infrastructure.