The World Bank supports the modernization of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova through investments in irrigation and alignment with European Union standards

The World Bank intensifies support for aligning Moldova’s agriculture with European standards and developing value chains.

During a meeting between the Minister of Agriculture, Ludmila Catlabuga, and the delegation led by Sameh Naguib Wahba, ongoing projects were reviewed and new strategic investment directions in the agri-food sector were identified.

Assessment of Progress and New Investment Directions

The discussions highlighted the progress made over the past year, a period during which collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the World Bank focused on supporting structural investments. Additionally, new initiatives were explored aimed at increasing farmers’ resilience in the face of climate and economic challenges.

Modernization of Irrigation Systems

A central point of the dialogue was the modernization and expansion of irrigation infrastructure. These measures aim to improve farmers’ access to water resources, considered an essential factor for increasing productivity and the competitiveness of agricultural products in external markets.

Biosecurity and Added Value

The agenda also included strengthening biosecurity standards in the plant and livestock sectors, as well as supporting the domestic processing of raw materials. The goal of these actions is to create higher added value and facilitate the access of Moldovan products to demanding international markets.

Alignment with European Union Standards

Another major objective is the adaptation of agricultural legislation and practices to the requirements of the European Union, in the context of Moldova’s EU accession process. This alignment is essential for economic integration and the growth of exports.

Importance of the Strategic Partnership

Minister Ludmila Catlabuga emphasized the crucial role of collaboration with the World Bank Group in transforming the agricultural sector. In turn, representatives of the financial institution reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the modernization of rural infrastructure and the efficiency of agricultural policies.

Evolution of Cooperation and Long-term Objectives

In recent years, the partnership between the World Bank and the ministry has developed significantly, moving from simple financing to complex infrastructure projects and structural reforms. The main focus remains on modernizing irrigation systems and transforming agriculture from a subsistence sector into a modern, technologically advanced, and resilient one.