The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 20 million for the rehabilitation and capacity increase of Chisinau airport - Moldova's sole international airport.
The project is being co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the EU Neighbourhood Investment Facility. It comprises the rehabilitation of the airport's runway and taxiways, reconstruction and extension of the passenger apron and expansion of the arrival and departure halls of the passenger terminal. The NIF grant will finance the preparation of an Airport Master Plan and implementation assistance and works supervision.
Eva Srejber, EIB Vice-President responsible for financing operations in the Eastern Neighbour countries including Moldova, commented: "The modernised airport in the Moldovan capital Chisinau is important both for passenger safety and comfort and the international cooperation of the country, its further development and the strengthening of its competitiveness. It will help to cope with the increased passenger numbers recorded in recent years".
Background
This is the second loan provided by the EIB in Moldova after the June 2007 loan of EUR 30 million financing the rehabilitation of roads linking the capital Chisinau with Romania, representing the external EU border with Moldova.
The task of the EIB, the European Union's financing institution, is to contribute to the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the Member States by financing sound investment. Outside the Union, the EIB implements the financial components of agreements concluded under European development aid and cooperation policies.