Moldova Cooperation in Regional Development Project

The Moldova: Co-operation in Regional Development (MDRD) Project aimed to support the Government of Moldova in implementing the regional development law passed in December 2006 and rolling out the National Strategy for Regional Development. It was developed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Local and Public Administration, now superseded by the Ministry for Regional Development and Construction, and follows on from three EU TACIS projects that have supported the government's development a regional development concept, law and strategy. The total value of donor support for technical cooperation, provided by DFID and SIDA was £2.9 million (managed by OPM in association with the University of Birmingham and IPP) excluding budget support.

The project goal was to reduce levels of poverty and inequality in Moldova as a result of economic growth. The project's purpose was to ensure the government has in place the systems and procedures to implement a national strategy for regional development that promotes inclusive economic growth.

The project had two components. First, a programme of technical assistance to cover a range of institutional strengthening activities at both the national and regional levels. Second, financing was made available to the Ministry of Finance by DFID to fund a range of projects included in the regional development strategies and operational plans.  

Regarding the first component, technical assistance was provided for a range of activities to support the delivery of five outputs:  

Output I: Enhanced capacity of national and regional institutions

Output II: Regional development strategies informed by economic, social and environmental analysis

Output III: Transparent and accountable monitoring and evaluation system in operation

Output IV: Strong local and regional partnerships managing and delivering regional development projects

Output V:  Effective regional development financing arrangements in place

DFID awarded the project a score of 1 in its project completion review, the highest possible score.