moldova.usaid.gov
Country Program Officer: Gary Linden
American Embassy/Moldova
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-7080
Tel: 373-22-20-1800
Fax: 373-2-237277 |
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Overview
Although Moldova was the least developed Eastern Europe republic after the collapse of the USSR in 1991, it has made progress toward becoming a strong, independent, and market-oriented democracy. In 1992, USAID began assistance programs to support Moldova’s transition by establishing critical health and social safety net programs for its citizens, building democratic practices within the government, and restructuring and privatizing key industries to boost economic growth.
Today, Moldova has benefited from the many democratic, economic and social reforms made since independence. However, many challenges remain. Moldova is the poorest country in Europe, with a vulnerable economy that relies heavily on remittances from citizens working abroad. Its agriculture-based economy is subject to external and market pressures on its primary products. As the 2007 record drought demonstrated, the country lacks a modern agricultural system that can mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Although foreign investment has increased, the business climate remains weak and is characterized by corruption and over-regulation. In the area of good governance, a current uneven concentration of power and lack of transparency in governing bodies threatens to undermine democratic progress and reforms. Trafficking in persons, weak healthcare systems, and the rise of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C, are further barriers to the economic and political advancement of the country.
To address these and other important development issues, USAID works primarily in three areas under the U.S. Government’s Foreign Assistance Framework: (1) Economic Growth; (2) Governing Justly and Democratically; and (3) Investing In People. Collectively, these programs seek to help Moldova achieve economic and political stability and, in turn, be able to sustain further advances on its own. To carry out these goals, 19 projects are implemented with USAID funding and technical assistance. Implementing partners include international and local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), U.S. businesses, and U.N. agencies.
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