EU, UNDP improving infrastructure to attract more investment in Cahul, Ungheni regions

Chisinau, 25 Jan. /MOLDPRES/- European Union offers 1.5 million euros for the creation and modernization of infrastructure to attract investment in Cahul and Ungheni regions. A technology center for innovation and production will be established in Sculeni, an industrial hub will be renovated in Ungheni. A regional agri-food market will be built in Cahul, and the local business development center in the village of Crihana Veche will also benefit from landscaping and road access improvement works.

Each of the four initiatives may be awarded with financing ranging from 200 thousand and 550 thousand euros, through the EU4Moldova: Focal Regions programme, implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.

"Today, we are celebrating another important milestone in the program - awarding of four certificates worth 1.5 million euros. The projects selected to be financed by the EU will further enhance the development of Cahul and Ungheni regions and improve the lives of citizens through access to quality services, modern infrastructure and more jobs", EU Ambassador to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks said.

"The importance of attracting new companies to regions extends beyond immediate economic and financial gains, as new companies contribute to improving the standards of living for residents and reducing the unemployment rate. Local public authorities in Ungheni and Cahul regions will benefit from the increase in local revenues, which will be used for the development of local infrastructure and services", UNDP Resident Representative to Moldova Daniela Gasparikova said.

The initiatives were selected through an open competition and aim to contribute to mobilizing new investments, supporting start-ups, creating jobs and promoting innovative technologies by attracting competitive businesses at local level. This depends on the existence of a viable public infrastructure such as access to water supply systems, sewage, electricity, natural gas, road networks, etc.

The EU4Moldova: Focal Regions programme supports smart, inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Cahul and Ungheni regions, to ensure a better standards of living for citizens. The program has a total budget of 23 million euros, is funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.