The French Development Agency (AFD) will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in implementing reforms that improve citizens’ lives and advance the European integration agenda. Areas of cooperation and domains where Moldova can benefit from assistance were discussed during Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s meeting with AFD Regional Director Mathieu Vasseur and France’s Ambassador to Moldova, Dominique Waag, TRIBUNA reports.

The Prime Minister praised the agency’s alignment with government priorities, highlighting its broad portfolio of important projects for the country. AFD provides support in the energy sector — the INSPIREE project (Initiative for Sustainable Public Infrastructure Development through Renovations for Energy Efficiency) involves energy renovation of 30 public buildings, including 16 higher education institutions and 14 district hospitals. Around 200,000 citizens will benefit from the project, with annual financial savings reaching 2 million euros.

Another project, worth 25 million euros, focuses on increasing the use of green energy in Moldova. It covers the development of renewable sources, modernization of energy infrastructure, implementation of energy efficiency solutions, and strengthening consumer protection. In addition, AFD will finance irrigation system rehabilitation projects worth over 44 million euros.

Officials also referred to AFD’s support in water supply and sanitation, afforestation, social protection, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The AFD Regional Director expressed the agency’s openness to intensify cooperation in justice reform, strengthening the rule of law, and attracting French investments into Moldova’s economy.

The dialogue between the Republic of Moldova and the AFD Group began in 2021, and on February 1, 2022, the AFD office was established in Chișinău. The AFD Group has become the main financial partner of the Government and the European Commission for the investment pillar of the Moldova Growth Plan.