Press Release on the Signing of the Collaboration Agreement between Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA), Estonia and AIPA

Wednesday, 09 October 2013, the Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA), Estonia and the Agency for Intervention and Payments for Agriculture (AIPA), Moldova signed a Cooperation agreement.
The protocol establishes a new cycle of interinstitutional cooperation between the two institutions based on a program for exchange of information on financial assistance and institutional organization, as well as support and assistance for the Moldovan AIPA in setting up uniform policies, practices and procedures for encouraging investments in the agricultural sector, transfer of experience, activities related to the development of the entrepreneurship skills of the youth etc.

In the introductory speech, Mr. Petru MALERU, Director General of the Agency for Payments and Agriculture, underlined the importance of the partnership between AIPA and the similar agency in Estonia. At the same time, he spoke about the good practices and the experience in ensuring the implementation and management of the European Funds, and appreciated their results in the efficient capitalization and management of such funds, underlying also the need for further cooperation with similar institutions in Estonia with a view to improve and develop the system of financial incentives for Moldovan agricultural producers. This will facilitate the development of AIPA’s institutional capacities to manage the potential European funds that are usually available for EU candidate countries.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Mr. Vasile BUMACOV who stressed the need to continuously improve the agricultural producers’ subsidization system, referring to the results recorded by the Agency for Intervention and Payment for Agriculture, which in a relatively short period of time proved that this institution is efficient, functional and operational.
In his speech, Mr Jaanus HAMMAL, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Registers and Information Board (PRIA) emphasized that the cooperation for the next period would include new projects and activities. During the same event, our Estonian partners presented a general outline of PRIA activity, referring to its structure, functions and the funds it is managing.
The parties also mentioned the accreditation of the payment agencies according to EU norms and directives and listed the principles, criteria and procedures to be undertaken and met.
It should be noted that the signing of the Cooperation Protocol is a reconfirmation of the fast progress of Estonian-Moldovan relations in general, and in agricultural area in particular.