August 23 (SeeNews) - The World Bank said it is lending Moldova $20 million (17 million euro) for higher quality government administrative services.
Through through the Modernization of Government Services Project, government agencies and line ministries will receive technical assistance on services re-engineering, digitization, and better alignment of institutional capabilities, the World Bank said in a press release on Tuesday. Citizens and local businesses will benefit directly by spending less time, effort and resources accessing essential government services.
For many Moldovans, limited access to government services has contributed to social exclusion, fewer opportunities and a lower quality of life – especially for those in rural and remote areas, the bank said.
“The Modernization of Government Services Project will improve the quality of and access to public services,” World Bank country manager for Moldova, Anna Akhalkatsi, said. “We believe this project will also address governance issues, and will lead to improving people’s trust in public institutions.”
The project addresses Moldova’s priorities for poverty reduction and shared prosperity, identified by the World Bank’s 2016 Systematic Country Diagnostic for Moldova, and is aligned with the objectives of Moldova’s Public Administration Reform Strategy 2016-2020.
Since Moldova joined the World Bank in 1992, over $1 billion has been allocated to more than 60 operations in the country. Currently, the World Bank portfolio includes 9 active projects with a total commitment of $358.5 million. Areas of support include regulatory reform and business development, tax administration, education, roads, healthcare, agriculture, climate adaptation, and others.
The International Finance Corporation’s committed portfolio in Moldova is $53.8 million, consisting of 95% loans and 5% equity. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency has provided guarantees totalling $95 million. Both institutions are members of the World Bank Group.
($= 0.8504 euro)