Moldova Prepares to Grow EU Imported Products

The Chicu government intends to continue supporting the agricultural sector and providing subsidies to Moldovans who return from abroad and open their agricultural business in the Republic of Moldova. Moreover, Prime Minister Ion Chicu said that against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, bank transfers will decrease and the state is preparing to consider the agricultural sector "as the sector able to replace imports," agora.md reported. The government today approved an extension of the age limit for young farmers from 35 to 40 so that they fall into the subsidized age category. In addition, the Executive Body is preparing to develop a subsidy instrument for those who return from the diaspora and want to open a business in the agricultural sector. "In parallel, please adjust the budget to replenish the grant fund for these beneficiaries," Chicu said at the meeting. "Given the current world situation, the agricultural sector will play an important role, primarily in creating jobs. Till now we had the opportunity to import food and it cost $ 1 billion. We consider the agricultural sector the one that can replace imports. We receive remittances from Europe but it is understandable that the events happening there now will have an impact on the country. To assure a weaker influence of reduced remittances we must procure and manufacture a significant quantity of the products we used to import. The agricultural sector is the main element of this program so we will provide tremendous support in this area," Chicu said.