October 7 (SeeNews) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said on Thursday it welcomed the commitment to reform of Moldova's new government and pledged fresh investment to support it.
"Implementing the administration’s ambitious agenda will send a strong signal to the private sector and help unlock jobs-generating investment by local and foreign investors alike," Matteo Patrone, managing director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus at the EBRD, said in a press release during a visit to the country.
"We stand ready to support the business environment with investment, advice and technical assistance," Patrone added."
Together with EBRD head for Moldova Angela Sax, Matteo Patrone met with prime minister Natalia Gavrilita, economy minister Sergiu Gaibu, deputy prime minister and minister of infrastructure Andrei Spinu and central bank governor Octavian Armasu. Discussions focused on much-needed reforms, the business environment and ways to finance local companies’ growth to create jobs, support the development of infrastructure and attract foreign investment to the country, the EBRD said.
On Wednesday, Patrone and Spinu signed a 23.5 million euro ($27 million) loan agreement to enable the state-owned railway operator Calea Ferata din Moldova to continue infrastructure upgrades.
($=0.8661 euro)