Moldovan citizens will be able to access more efficient, higher quality government administrative services, thanks to US$20 million in funding for the Modernization of Government Services Project, approved recently by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors.

For many Moldovans, limited access to government services has contributed to social exclusion, fewer opportunities and a lower quality of life – especially for those in rural and remote areas. To help address this challenge, the government aims to modernise its administrative services and provide a more citizen-centric model of service delivery, with World Bank support.

“The Modernization of Government Services Project will improve the quality of and access to public services,” said Anna Akhalkatsi, World Bank Country Manager for Moldova. “We believe this project will also address governance issues and will lead to improving people’s trust in public institutions.”

Government agencies and line ministries will receive technical assistance on services re-engineering, digitisation, and better alignment of institutional capabilities. Citizens and local businesses will benefit directly by spending less time, effort and resources accessing essential government services.

The project addresses Moldova’s priorities for poverty reduction and shared prosperity, identified by the World Bank’s 2016 Systematic Country Diagnostic for Moldova, and is aligned with the objectives of Moldova’s Public Administration Reform Strategy 2016-2020.

Since Moldova joined the World Bank in 1992, over US$1 billion has been allocated to more than 60 operations in the country. Currently, the World Bank portfolio includes nine active projects with a total commitment of US$ 358.5 million. Areas of support include regulatory reform and business development, tax administration, education, roads, healthcare, agriculture, climate adaptation, and others.

The IFC’s committed portfolio in Moldova is US$ 53.8 million (US$ 50.9 million outstanding). Its committed portfolio consists of 95% loans and 5% equity. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency has provided guarantees totalling US$ 95 million. Both institutions are members of the World Bank Group.