Fourth Annual Report: Moldova Structural Reform Program

The Program's activities are organized into four components: Component One, Component Two, Component Three, and Component Four. Component One focuses on improving compliance and implementation of international trade agreements, while Component Two emphasizes improving the business enabling environment through structural reforms. Component Three engages counterparts to create coalitions for successful outcomes through strategic communications, and Component Four establishes and manages a Trade Corridor Enhancement Fund. The Program emphasizes cutting red tape and developing fair regulatory systems that utilize improvements in information technology and web-based applications to lessen opportunities for corruption. Working in close cooperation with key Government of Moldova (GoM) counterparts, including the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MoEI), Financial Market Regulators, the Customs Service of Moldova (MCS), and others, as well as a wide range of stakeholders and USAID, the Program contributes to improvements in policies, regulations, institutions, and processes that can lead to sustained and inclusive economic growth in Moldova. In the last year, the Program has seen significant progress in various areas. Component One has made important strides in improving compliance with international trade agreements, including the completion of the "Helicopter Study" and the transformation of the Posta Moldovei portal into an e-commerce platform. The Program has also launched several IT solutions, including the e-AEO management system, electronic certificates of origin, electronic force majeure certificates, and electronic waybills. Component Two has focused on supporting the development of draft amendments to Moldovan legislative frameworks, including pre-arrival processing, making electronic payments and P2P transfers, and streamlining the construction process. The Program has also continued to develop an e-Authorization system for the National Road Transport Authority (ANTA). The Program has also faced several challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on project activities, particularly on in-person activities and events. Despite these challenges, the Program has been able to adapt and continue its activities, albeit with some delays. In terms of administration, the Program has undergone some changes. In August 2021, the Chief of Party (COP) Doug Muir submitted his resignation, and a new COP candidate, Mr. Milo Stevanovich, was presented to USAID and approved. Mr. Stevanovich will begin work on October 15, 2021. The Program has also been operating on a "work-from-home" basis since March 17, 2020, due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Program has also received an eight-month no-cost extension, with a new end date of May 17, 2022. This extension will allow the Program to continue its activities for an additional period, including a partial Year Five, extending from October to May. Overall, the MSRP has made significant progress in its fourth year, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program continues to work towards its goal of strengthening Moldova's business and trade enabling environments, and its activities are expected to have a positive impact on the country's economic growth and development.