● MONDAY, June 17
Info Bon will be absorbed by Termoelectrica
The limited liability company Info Bon, which ensures the calculation and monthly invoicing of heat supply services, as well as for other types of public utilities, is to be reorganized. Namely, it will be absorbed by JSC Termoelectrica.
GDP at 67.4 billion lei in first quarter of 2024
In the first quarter of this year, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amounted to 67.4 billion lei in current market prices, up by 1.9% in real terms compared to the first quarter of 2023 on a gross basis. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the GDP in the first quarter grew by 1.4 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023 and by 2.5 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, IPN reports, with reference to preliminary estimates of the National Bureau of Statistics.
Bucuria fined over 1.8 million lei
The joint stock company Bucuria was fined over 1.8 million lei for unfair competition. The company was accused of illegally copying the packaging of the confectionery products “MU” and “PARKUR” which belong to a rival enterprise.
● TUESDAY, June 18
Swine fever reported at two farms in northern Moldova
The National Center for Veterinary Diagnosis confirmed the presence of African swine fever in two farms in the north of the country, one in the village of Gârbova, Ocnița, and the other in the village of Vărăncău, Soroca district. As a result, the movement of pigs from non-professional farms to slaughterhouses and animal fairs on the territory of the country was restricted, as was the placing on the market of products and by-products from these farms.
Higher expenses, but also greater revenues in social insurance budget
In the first five months of the year, revenues totaling 19.014,1 billion lei or 44.4% of the approved annual plan were accumulated in the state social insurance budget. The execution of the budget in the period ended with revenues that were by 1.183,8 million lei higher than the expenditure.
● WEDNESDAY, June 19
International conference on Moldova’s role in Ukraine reconstruction
Chisinau will host the first international economic conference on the “Reconstruction of Ukraine. The role of the Republic of Moldova”. The event that will take place on June 21 will center on the investment opportunities in Moldova and the rebuilding of Ukraine, the role of the Moldova-Ukraine bilateral relations, investment niches and the economic situation in the neighboring country, etc.
Cherry harvest affected by torrential rain and hail
Dozens of hectares of orchards were compromised by the recent heavy rains and hail. In some of the districts, the cherry orchards were 80% affected and the farmers can no longer sell the fruits, including to export them. Processors are not in a hurry to buy them either, even at very low prices. The situation in agriculture in the wake of the bad weather was discussed at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry with the heads of district agricultural divisions.
Differentiated electricity charges for consumers with smart meters
The participants in the pilot project to implement smart meters will pay differentiated electricity charges. According to the Ministry of Energy, the consumers will pay half the usual price for one kW/h between 00:00 and 06:00, the standard price for consumption between 11:00 and 16:00 and a price increased by the coefficient 1.2 between 16:00 and 24:00.
Special vehicles distributed to national veterinary subdivisions
Special veterinary vehicles, purchased with the support of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, were handed over on Wednesday to specialized subdivisions in the country during a ceremony staged in the Great National Assembly Square. Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, said that the made investments will offer assistance to state agents in increasing the quality of services provided to the citizens and economic agents and will strengthen the capacities of state veterinary services to facilitate operations and develop the network of state veterinarians.
Moldovan farmers have reservations about organic farming
The agricultural area under organic farming in the EU continues to grow, reaching 16.9 million ha in 2022, compared to 15.9 million ha in 2021 and 14.7 million ha in 2020, according to data that was recently published by Eurostat. While the trend of organic farming attracts more and more Europeans, in Romania the area under organic farming represents only 5 percent, while in the case of Moldovan farmers these indicators are even lower, IPN reports, with reference to Euractiv and Ecopresa.
Banks’ profit decreased in first quarter of this year
The financial situation of the banking sector in the first quarter of the year, according to the data presented by banks, is characterized by an increase in assets, loans, deposits of individuals, deposits of legal entities. The profit decreased compared to the same period of the previous year, mainly as a result of the decrease in interest income, concomitantly with the increase in non-interest income.
● THURSDAY, June 20
Russia squeezed by Azerbaijan on gas market in Europe
Ukraine and the EU have asked Azerbaijan for gas supplies, IPN reports, with reference to the Azeri news agency APA.
Given that by accepting, Azerbaijan puts a squeeze on Russia in the delivery of gas to Europe, the source notes that this happens following the expiration of the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, and the new cooperation is not directed against third parties.
Farmers ask Government to increase subsidization fund
The Public Association “Farmers’ Force” requests the Government to increase the subsidy fund or to prioritize the payment of subsidies for micro, small and medium-sized farmers. The association is worried that a large part of farmers will be left without subsidies for applications submitted in 2023 as a large part of the subsidies were disbursed and what remains is not enough to cover the total amount for applications for post-investment subsidies.
Price of diesel fuel up 0.17 lei to nearly 21 lei a liter
A liter of diesel fuel on Friday will cost 20.96 lei per liter, by 0.20 lei more than today, said the National Agency for Energy Regulation, which announced the upper reference price, IPN reports.
As for gasoline COR 95, the retail price will rise by 0.10 lei and will be at most 24.37 lei per liter.
Moldovans prefer to save in lei
In May, new deposits amounted to 2.68 billion lei, 2.4% up on April. Deposits attracted in the Moldovan leu represented a majority, 62.5% and totaled 1.68 billion lei, up 4.4% compared to the previous month.
Seventy-eight agricultural producers improve energy efficiency with support from Switzerland, Japan and UNDP
Seventy-eight women running agricultural activities in 16 districts will receive equipment and services valued at about $650,000 dollars from Switzerland, Japan and UNDP. The support aims to strengthen their capacities in the field of sustainable agricultural practices and integrated energy efficiency, according to a press release issued by UNDP.
● FRIDAY, June 21
Vladimir Bolea: Bill concerning industrial hemp cultivation is almost ready
The cultivation, processing and export of industrial hemp could be allowed in the Republic of Moldova. A bill to this effect is being drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. Minister Vladimir Bolea said that in European countries, the cultivation of industrial hemp is permitted and the farmers in Moldova also want to grow hemp as it is a drought-resistant plant.
NBM maintains main monetary policy instruments at 3.6%
The base rate applied to the main short-term monetary policy operations remains at the level of 3.6% annually. The interest rates were also kept on overnight loans – 5.6%, repo operations – 3.85% and overnight deposits – 1.6% annually. A new monetary policy decision was unanimously adopted by the Executive Board of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM).
Revenues from rental real estate income tax over 33% higher
The State Tax Service said the revenues from rental real estate income tax in the first five months of this year grew by over 33% compared to the same period of 2023 to 28.5 million lei.
Moldova can play an essential role in Ukraine’s reconstruction after war, conference
Since the beginning of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, in February 2022, Ukraine has been in great need of help. When the war ends, Ukraine will also need to be supported in order to be able to re-establish the foundations of a free and prosperous country. The Republic of Moldova can play an essential role in the post-war reconstruction. Opportunities can be created both for companies that want to invest in Ukraine and for Ukrainian companies that want to make the most of the opportunities offered by the chosen European, said participants in a conference entitled “Reconstruction of Ukraine. The role of the Republic of Moldova” that was held today in Chisinau.
12 applications for licensing import of corn and sunflower accepted
The Commission for Licensing the Import of Cereals and Sunflower Seeds accepted twelve of the thirteen applications to authorize the import of corn for popcorn and sunflower seeds of several categories.
Agriculture Ministry launches information campaign in localities where agricultural chambers will be created
The Ministry of Agriculture starts an information campaign for agricultural producers in the localities where agricultural chambers will be created. According to the state secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Vasile Șarban, the purpose of the campaign is to prepare the agricultural producer to access European funds.
● SATURDAY, June22
Airport tender process suspended
The tender process to lease commercial spaces at the Chisinau International Airport, launched in May, has been suspended following the Constitutional Court ruling handed down two days ago, the Airport administration announced.
New loans amounted to 4.8 billion lei in May
In May, new loans amounted to 4.80 billion lei, down 12.8% compared to April. Most loans, or 77.8%, represents credits in the national currency, which constituted 3.74 billion lei, down 10.1% compared to the previous month, the National Bank of Moldova reported.
2.7 billion lei to be invested in developing Bălți
2.7 billion lei will be invested in a Government-endorsed program to accelerate the development of Bălți Municipality over the next four years. The program involves the urban modernization of the city center, including the pedestrian area, the renovation of a kayak-canoe recreation area, as well as the construction of a multi-purpose sports venue of national importance, called Bălți Arena.
