Economic Growth Key Theme of Menarchik’s Moldova Visit
In May 2007, USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia Dr. Douglas Menarchik traveled to Moldova as part of his visit to the region. While in Chisinau, Menarchik met with high-ranking Moldovan officials to discuss U.S. Government foreign assistance to Moldova, with an emphasis on the Millennium Challenge Account Threshold Country Program and potential for Compact Assistance, and to reconfirm the Government of Moldova’s (GoM) political will and support for the planned USAID business regulatory reform and tax initiative. He also participated in a roundtable discussion with members of civil society and media organizations on government reform, anti-corruption activities and the role of civil society.
During his time in Moldova, Douglas Menarchik visited a wide range of USAID projects, including two wineries that are now expanding their exports to Western markets: a fruit drying facility that became one of the first Moldovan companies to receive ISO international quality management certificate and a carpet factory that was able to dramatically improve the quality of their production thus protecting hundreds of jobs. He observed how USAID programs are empowering citizens to make changes in their own communities, ranging from the installation of a new pump station and reconstructed streets in the town of Ungheni to the construction of new bus station in the town of Negresti. Menarchik also had the opportunity to deliver brief remarks at a women’s entrepreneur training organized by the USAID’s Anti‑trafficking Initiative and make a short stop at a Model Poultry Farm created under the Avian Influenza Prevention Program.
According to Menarchik, the most rewarding part of the site visits was talking to ordinary people who have joined together to make a change happen in their communities and, as a result of their success, were determined to achieve even more in the future.
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| Douglas Menarchik (right) and Dumitru Vicol, Monicol Fruit Drying Facility Director, discussing the capacities of the company’s packing line |
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