Looking for a way back

Despite nearly breaking up soon after independence, Moldova rapidly established a good reputation with international lenders and investors. It wasn't to last. Worse was to come: not least a stalled privatization programme, an agricultural slump and serious payment problems for energy purchases from Russia. Gavin Gray reports on the attempt to put things together again.

What has gone wrong in Moldova? Last year the government failed to complete a number of key reforms, such as the planned privatization of the tobacco sector, and its budget deficit began to run out of control. As a result, the IMF decided in February to suspend a $185 million extended fund facility (EFF) for the country – the second time it has halted disbursements since the facility was first agreed in 1996. Meanwhile, Moldova is finding it hard to borrow internationally and foreign investors are deserting its domestic debt market.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access