Area: approx. 21,000 sq. miles, slightly larger than Maryland
U.S. STRATEGIC INTERESTS
The United States has a national interest in promoting political reform and economic growth in Moldova, the poorest country in Europe. The U.S. Government (USG) would like to see the long-standing Transnistrian conflict resolved in a way that protects Moldova's sovereignty, promotes democracy, and helps ensure stability in a region that includes the Balkans. The secessionist Transnistrian region within Moldova remains an obstacle to regional security. The lack of border controls along the Transnistria-Ukraine border also threatens the broader region, as it provides opportunities for weapons proliferation, smuggling, transnational crime, and human trafficking. Moldova has been a strong supporter of the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, granting the United States overflight and basing rights, as well as sending a troop contingent to support Coalition forces in Iraq.
OVERVIEW OF U.S. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
In FY 2003, the U.S. Government provided an estimated $63.93 million* in assistance to Moldova:
(*This total includes $200,000 in FY 2002 FREEDOM Support Act (FSA) funds allocated during 2003.)
In FY 2003, some 300 Moldovan citizens traveled to the United States on USG-funded training and exchange programs implemented by USAID and the U.S. Departments of Commerce and State, bringing the cumulative number of Moldovan participants to almost 3,000.
U.S. ASSISTANCE PRIORITIES
Democratic Reform Programs: In FY 2003, the main priorities for USG-funded democratic reform assistance in Moldova included promoting free and fair local elections; advancing the rule of law by informing citizens of their legal rights and responsibilities; increasing the capacity of the legal system to respond more effectively by improving the knowledge of judges, lawyers, and other legal professionals; and working with local governments to introduce community strategic planning and financial management techniques, improve services, and increase transparency and citizen participation.
Economic and Social-Sector Reform Programs: USG-funded economic reform programs in Moldova focused on creating jobs and economic opportunities, primarily in rural Moldova, through agribusiness-sector development, the consolidation of land holdings through market-driven mechanisms, agricultural policy reform, increasing smallholder-farmer participation in business associations, and supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). USG assistance helped Moldova develop processes and introduce technologies that significantly increased the sales and value of farm produce. The USG's highest social-sector priority in FY 2003 was to assist Moldova in combating tuberculosis (TB) by improving the organization and management of TB laboratory services and strengthening institutional capacity to detect and successfully treat TB.
Security, Regional Stability and Law Enforcement Programs: In FY 2003, USG security-related assistance was focused on strengthening Moldovan law enforcement and border security and redirecting weapons-of-mass-destruction (WMD)-related expertise towards sustainable peaceful research, with the ultimate goal of achieving a peaceful, democratic and reintegrated Moldova. In the law enforcement arena, the USG focused on enhancing Moldova's institutional capacity to combat corruption and trafficking in persons. These efforts consisted of legislative drafting assistance, training, and equipment donations, which improved Moldovan capabilities and will eventually help reduce reliance on foreign assistance.
SECTORAL ASSESSMENTS
Democratic Reform
Moldova's record with respect to elections worsened somewhat in FY 2003. The May-June local elections - the first local elections since the Communist Party came to power in 2001 - fell short of the high standards set in previous nationwide elections, as the Communist government sought to increase its influence throughout the country. The international community watched the elections closely, especially through the Election Observation Mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)/Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), to which the U.S. Embassy contributed observers. The ODIHR mission concluded that, while the voting itself generally met international standards, there were a number of problems during the campaign period, including bias in the state media, the arrest (and intimidation) of two opposition mayors, and the misuse of governmental resources for campaign purposes. The USG funded a large program of domestic observers, training for poll workers, a get-out-the-vote campaign, as well as a locally produced television series on local elections in the United States. The U.S. Embassy and senior officials from Washington actively engaged members of the Central Election Commission and political figures on the importance of free and fair elections. Even though the election process did not meet the high standards set in previous Moldovan elections, USG-funded efforts helped deter more serious problems.
New civil and criminal codes entered into force in 2003. The civil code, drafted with USG assistance, is market-oriented. The criminal code, also drafted with USG assistance, included stronger language on trafficking in persons. The judicial system was reorganized in 2003, with one level of appeals courts removed. This change simplified the Moldovan judiciary, making it more closely resemble the U.S. system. USG assistance funded the publication of a legal commentary on the criminal code, as well as free distribution of the code to a large number of legal professionals. The USG funded the establishment of a university course teaching Moldovan law in English. This program supported the rule of law and economic development by creating a cadre of legal professionals capable of working with foreign investors. The USG also helped create Moldova's first university program on NGO development at the master's-degree level.
USG democracy assistance was also focused on broadening Moldovans' access to information, through continued USG-sponsored computer training and Internet access facilities in eight cities. Through an exchange program with American counterparts, Moldovan public librarians and library staff received training on the role of public libraries in a democracy. In FY 2003, the U.S. Embassy's Democracy Commission provided small grants to several independent media organizations to help improve the quality and maintain the objectivity of local media.
Programs in FY 2004 will focus on development of an independent and objective media (especially in advance of the 2005 parliamentary elections), continued development of civil society, local government reform, fostering civic activism, and educational reform. In addition, the U.S. Embassy will work with the over 2,000 former participants of USG-funded exchange programs to highlight and spread democratic values. USAID will launch two initiatives in 2004 to promote civic activism: a program to help local communities organize themselves to bring about a positive change in living conditions by identifying, planning, and executing small local development projects; and an initiative to develop the leadership and democracy-building skills of local political activists, while also working with Moldova's reform-oriented political parties to broaden their base, help them operate more transparently, and improve their effectiveness.
Economic and Social-Sector Reform
In 2003, Moldova is expected to have recorded its fourth consecutive year of positive GDP growth since independence, with year-end real GDP growth predicted at 6% - the same rate of growth as in 2002. Year-end inflation is expected to reach 18%, up significantly from 8% in 2002. Higher grain and food prices, due to the poor 2003 harvest, fueled the increase in inflation. The Moldovan leu/U.S. dollar exchange rate remained very steady; the leu appreciated only 0.5% from January 1 to December 10, 2003. Imports increased more rapidly than exports during the first nine months of 2003, but exports registered a healthy increase of 24.9%. In 2003, the trade deficit increased by 38.7%. Relations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank worsened in FY 2003. The IMF terminated its Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility in Moldova and the Bank stopped its SAC-III program and suspended its Energy II Project after the Moldovan Government failed to meet conditions agreed to for these loans.
The agricultural sector accounts for 50% of Moldova's GDP, and over half of the country's population is employed in agriculture-related activities. In 2003, production of grain and barley decreased dramatically, due to an unusually cold winter followed by an early spring drought. Moldova received a small amount of grain and seed assistance from various countries in FY 2003, but increased commercial imports of grain have made up most of the deficit.
Agricultural post-land-privatization activities were the main focus of USG economic assistance in FY 2003. The USG, through the Private Farmer Assistance Program, gave new landowners better access to legal protection, equipment, information, and financial support, and helped facilitate the establishment of private-farmer cooperatives, associations and resource centers for Moldovan farmers to access U.S. technology. The second thrust of post-privatization efforts in the agricultural sector, the Private Farmer Commercialization Program, supported the development of Moldova's agribusiness sector by opening new community-level farms stores that provided expanded input supply, credit, and market networks to new private farmers. USG agricultural-sector assistance also helped improve Moldova's capacity to produce fresh and frozen products with a higher value-added component.
Progress on many economic reforms stalled in FY 2003. International donor opposition helped stop an attempt to roll back market reforms in the agricultural sector. The Moldovan Government delayed much-needed reforms in the energy sector and the privatization of the two state-run electrical distribution networks. A planned merger of the independent energy and telecommunications regulatory agencies was shelved in 2003 after considerable donor opposition. The Moldovan Government resolved a high-profile investment dispute with the Spanish energy company Union Fenosa, but the investment climate remained problematic. Excessive regulation and the arbitrary nature of audits and inspections by government authorities negatively affected the business environment in FY 2003.
The USG helped increase the role of SMEs in the Moldovan economy by providing them with market business skills and information, building the capacity of business service providers, and improving SME access to finance. USG assistance helped privatized Moldovan businesses expand by providing capital, management and marketing assistance, and information systems for new and existing enterprises.
USG assistance to the telecommunications sector, which ended during FY 2003, helped develop the independence of the Moldovan telecommunications regulatory agency and provided guidance to the Moldovan Government on ongoing efforts to privatize the national telephone system. In FY 2003, the USG provided assistance to the important energy sector, including advising the Moldovan Government on privatizing the state-run electrical distribution networks and providing technical assistance for the establishment of an effective, independent, and fully functioning energy regulator. However, during FY 2004, USG assistance to the energy sector, with some minor exceptions, will be phased out, due to worsening prospects for a transparent privatization of the electrical distribution networks, a general lack of transparency in the sector, and the erosion of the regulatory agency's independence and effectiveness.
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) was active in Moldova for the first time in FY 2003, providing $975,000 in insurance to two American investors. The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) provided a $189,000 grant to fund a feasibility study to modernize Moldovan Customs' computer systems. In FY 2003, the USG provided technical assistance to the Moldovan Government on drafting legislation compatible with Moldova's World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments; it also supported the government's participation in several regional seminars and workshops on WTO issues, as well as its active participation in the Stability Pact Trade Working Groups - a regional organization geared towards promoting the integration of Southeast Europe into the European Union.
In the social sector, USG assistance is moving away from humanitarian assistance activities toward major health projects and a new initiative to combat trafficking in persons. Tuberculosis is a major public health danger in Moldova, driven by declining social and economic standards, high unemployment and resulting poverty, as well as by inefficient anti-TB practices. During FY 2004, the USG will begin a new four-year bilateral project to combating TB that will support the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course) strategy for TB diagnosis, treatment and care procedures. The levels of morbidity and mortality associated with increasing incidence of HIV, the high prevalence of hepatitis, and elevated levels of sexually transmitted infections all rank high on the list of Moldova's most serious health problems. The USG will implement a new project that will provide assistance for maternal health and the prevention of priority infectious diseases. The USG's new Anti-Trafficking Program will focus on prevention by offering economic solutions for this problem, which is driven largely by lack of employment opportunities and high levels of poverty.
Security, Regional Stability, and Law Enforcement
The Government of Moldova has developed a program to restructure and modernize its military forces; however, progress is slow due to chronic under-funding of the defense budget, which is used primarily to pay salaries and maintain a large, deteriorating infrastructure. Despite these severe resource constraints, Moldova is a reliable and valuable defense partner and an active member of the Partnership for Peace. Most notably, Moldova has developed a fledgling Peacekeeping Battalion and is focusing its efforts to train and equip these forces with the goal of participating in United Nations and other international peacekeeping missions. In September 2003, Moldova demonstrated its commitment to peacekeeping by deploying a 42-man contingent to Iraq, attached to a U.S. Army unit. USG-funded security assistance programs focus on helping Moldova develop its peacekeeping capabilities along with other targeted military capabilities to facilitate the interoperability of Moldovan forces with Western forces. The International Military Education and Training (IMET) Program has and will continue to reap great benefits, as IMET-trained officers are being promoted to positions of increased responsibility and influence. Moldova makes good use of its IMET-trained officers and retention rates are high, exceeding 85 percent. In FY 2003, 32 Moldovan officers were trained in the United States, with approximately 60 more trained through Military Education Team visits to Moldova. Other programs that have benefited the Moldovan Armed Forces include the Enhanced International Peacekeeping Capabilities Program, the Excess Defense Article (EDA) Program, and the Marshall Center Program.
Resolution of the Transnistrian conflict and withdrawal of Russian troops and munitions remain critical USG policy objectives in Moldova. Progress towards a political settlement, within the five-sided negotiating format (Moldova, Transnistria, Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE), was intermittent in FY 2003. The creation of a Joint Constitutional Commission in early 2003 provided initial momentum that dissipated by the end of FY 2003. Withdrawal of Russian munitions was sporadic, and the Government of Russia did not meet its commitments to withdraw munitions by December 31, 2003.
Transnistria is a source and transit point for illicit shipments of weapons and other goods, as well as human trafficking. A significant portion of USG assistance under the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Assistance Program was used to monitor Transnistria, with a focus on the movement of munitions and contraband. EXBS cooperation with Moldovan and Ukrainian officials was a contributing factor to the Ukrainian Government's decision in FY 2003 to honor only Moldovan Government-authorized customs seals, a positive step towards stopping the movement of contraband in the region. USG assistance provided the Customs Service with new embossers, making it more difficult for Transnistrian entities to counterfeit the legitimate seals. USG assistance also provided new computers and automation equipment for the Border Guards; the new system helped better track the movement of illegal aliens, weapons proliferators, and possible terrorists and provided enhanced capabilities for the Border Guards' anti-trafficking database to monitor movements of traffickers and victims. USG support for the Trade and Transportation Facility in Southeast Europe (TTFSE), along with World Bank assistance, enabled the Customs Service to begin implementing the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), which will more enable it to monitor movement of contraband more effectively while also significantly increasing customs revenue collections, thereby facilitating Moldova's integration into Southeast European markets. USG assistance enabled Moldovan officials to participate in seminars on the creation of a Virtual Law Enforcement Center and the development of a Trade and Transportation Facility (TTF) under the Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Moldova (GUUAM) Group, a Eurasian regional organization committed to bringing stability and prosperity to the critical corridor linking Asia and Europe.
Moldova's institutional infrastructure remains plagued by low salaries, insufficient training and equipment and widespread corruption. A U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) Resident Legal Advisor was posted to the U.S. Embassy in FY 2003 to work with the Prosecutor General and the Center for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption (CCECC) on anti-corruption initiatives. The CCECC came under harsh criticism from President Voronin at the end of 2003 for not being effective. While corruption remains a serious problem, some improvements were made. Moldovan customs revenues were up by approximately 40 percent in the first nine months of 2003, as the Customs Service placed more emphasis on transparent and automated revenue collection. In FY 2003, the USG also provided training to Moldovan law enforcement officials in the areas of money laundering and narcotics investigations.
Moldova is a major source country of trafficked persons. To help Moldova fight this problem, the USG undertook a number of programs in the areas of prevention, prosecution and victim protection. The USG supported the expansion of the Center for Prevention of Trafficking in Women (CPTW), which provides legal assistance to victims and conducts training programs for law enforcement officers. The USG supported an information campaign through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) aimed at raising awareness and promotion of a new, national anti-trafficking hotline. As a result of these efforts, the Moldovan Government has begun to address trafficking in persons more forcefully. There was a significant increase in the number of arrests and convictions to date, and the number of women at the IOM-supported shelter decreased.
In FY 2003, USG assistance encouraged regional cooperation and helped redirect former military-related companies and scientists toward commercial sustainability. The U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) supported market surveys, commercialization seminars, and major equipment grants for targeted companies, and awarded one company with a large contract to provide Internet connectivity in the region. At a workshop hosted by the USG-supported Moldovan Research & Development Association (MRDA) with its sister organizations from throughout the Caucasus, experts agreed to pool scientific grant-making resources and investigate research projects of regional value.
In FY 2004, USG law enforcement and security initiatives will continue to focus on anti-trafficking, anti-corruption, and anti-terrorism efforts, as well as legal reform and criminal justice reform. Anti-trafficking initiatives will include the establishment of a long-term assignment for an FBI Special Agent, who will help Moldova's Ministry of Internal Affairs to develop a regional approach to fighting anti-trafficking. Anti-corruption efforts will include training, advice, and equipment for the Moldovan CCECC, leveraging the Moldovan President's frank public instructions to CCECC to raise its professional and ethical standards and professionalize its activities. USG-funded anti-terrorism efforts will include Moldova's first-ever participation in the Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Program. Planned border security projects include the establishment of USG-funded mobile inspection stations to enable the Moldovan Customs Service to monitor more closely the movement of illegal goods and trafficking from Transnistria, as well as continued training and equipment for the Customs Service and Border Guards. The USG-funded Resident Legal Advisor will continue to provide anti-corruption assistance, and DOJ will provide training and equipment for anti-corruption investigations conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Humanitarian Assistance
In FY 2003, the U.S. State Department provided over $13 million in humanitarian assistance to Moldova, funding one airlift of critical medicines and medical supplies and 73 containers of surface-shipped medical equipment and supplies, clothing, food, and emergency shelter items. While the total value of these humanitarian commodities was $12.32 million, the transportation/operation cost to the USG was $1.16 million. These programs served the most needy and vulnerable populations throughout Moldova.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) provided a total of $435,000 in humanitarian assistance to implement three renovation projects, install five wells, and conduct a hepatitis-B vaccination program in numerous orphanages. In addition, $268,000 worth of DoD excess property was shipped to Moldova to benefit a tuberculosis treatment facility, institutions treating children with serious birth defects and for local fire departments.
In FY 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided approximately $15 million in food assistance to Moldova, including $9 million in the form of approximately 12,340 metric tons of food commodities under the Global Food for Education Initiative. The food was distributed to approximately 300,000 schoolchildren in over 2,500 schools - one of the highest penetration rates for this program anywhere in the world.
In FY 2004, USG humanitarian assistance will refurbish a fire fighters' training center, a burn clinic, three fire stations, and an HIV/AIDS treatment clinic at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Other planned humanitarian assistance in FY 2004 includes the installation of potable water wells in several localities and continuation of the hepatitis-B inoculation program for orphans.
COUNTRY PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Moldovan economic and democratic reforms stalled in FY 2003. Conduct of local elections failed to meet previous high standards, as the Communist Party sought to increase its influence. No progress was made in key energy reforms, and the IMF and World Bank suspended programs due to Moldova's failure to adhere to its commitments.
Economic Policy Reforms and Democratic Reforms in Moldova, 1991-2002
Democratic Reforms
Ratings of democratic freedoms are from Freedom House, Nations in Transit 2003 (2003) and cover events through December 2002. Economic policy reform ratings are from EBRD, Transition Report 2002 (November 2002), and cover events through September 2002. Economic policy reforms include price liberalization, trade and foreign exchange, privatization, legal, banking and capital markets, enterprise restructuring (credit and subsidy policy), and infrastructure reforms. Democratic freedoms include political rights (free and fair elections; openness of the political system to competing political parties and to minority group representation; governance and public administration) and civil liberties (free media and judiciary; freedom to develop NGOs and trade unions; equality of opportunity and freedom from corruption). Ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing the most advanced.
Moldova's economy grew for the fourth consecutive year, but higher inflation, especially increased food and grain prices, have negated those gains for much of the population. The difficult business and investment climate has prevented the private sector from expanding significantly.
Economic Structure and Human Development in Moldova, 1991-2002
Human Development Index
The Human Development Index (HDI) is based on three indicators using 2001 data: longevity, as measured by life expectancy; educational attainment, as measured by a combination of adult literacy and combined primary, secondary and tertiary enrollment ratios; and standard of living, as measured by real per capita GDP ($PPP). The HDI ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values representing greater human development. UNDP, Human Development Report 2003 (July 2003). Private-sector share of GDP is from EBRD, Transition Report Update (May 2003).
SECTORAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES
DEMOCRATIC REFORM
Performance Indicator: Freedom House Nations in Transit 2003 Electoral Processes rating (1 = highest, 7 = lowest; data based on previous calendar year)
|
FY 2002 Baseline |
FY 2003 Target |
FY 2003 Actual |
|
3.50 |
3.50 |
3.75 |
FY 2003 Results: International observers of Moldova's nationwide local elections in May/June 2003 concluded that the voting generally met international standards, but there were problems during the campaign period, including bias in state-controlled media, the arrests of two opposition mayors, and misuse of administrative resources for political purposes. This represented a regression from Moldova's generally good record of elections since independence. International attention and programs, including those funded by the USG, may have helped deter more serious problems. In the most hotly contested race, the independent mayor of Chisinau defeated a challenger backed strongly by the ruling Communist Party. Through Democracy Commission funding, the U.S. Embassy supported the training of poll workers, as well as both party-related and domestic civil- society election observers; creation and distribution of flyers and posters explaining the voting process to help motivate the electorate to make their voices heard; and a large "get-out-the-vote" campaign implemented through alumni of FSA-funded exchange programs.
Performance Indicator: Freedom House Nations in Transit 2003 Civil Society rating
(1 = highest, 7 = lowest; data based on previous calendar year)
|
FY 2002 Baseline |
FY 2003 Target |
FY 2003 Actual |
|
4.00 |
3.00 |
3.75 |
FY 2003 Results: In FY 2003, citizen involvement in NGOs and political movements increased in response to the Moldovan Government's attempts to implement controversial language and education reforms, which sparked demonstrations in spring 2002. The Moldovan Government did not interfere with the demonstrations. NGO activity is generally strong in Moldova, and NGOs generally operate unimpeded. In the critical agricultural sector, the USG assisted with the creation of NGOs. USG-funded activities promoted the development of civil society through Democracy Commission small grants, improved access to Internet in rural Moldova, and exchange programs.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REFORM
Performance Indicator: Real Growth in Agricultural Production (growth rates indicate percentage year-on-year growth published by the Moldovan Government)
|
CY 2001 Baseline |
CY 2002 Target |
CY 2002 Actual |
|
4 |
5 |
3 |
CY 2002 Results: While the rate of real growth in the agricultural sector slowed somewhat in 2002, it was the second consecutive year of positive growth, following many years of decline. The positive growth rates are directly attributable to the effects of the successful land privatization program completed in 2000. Continued post-privatization efforts have deepened structural reforms in the sector, and Moldova will most likely register real positive growth in the sector in 2003 for the third consecutive year, despite severe damage to the country's harvest caused by adverse climate conditions.
Performance Indicator: Real Wage Index (1994 = 100; Source: TACIS Moldovan Economic Trends Project)
|
CY 2001 Baseline |
CY 2002 Target |
CY 2002 Actual |
|
166 |
190 |
200 |
CY 2001 Results: Real wages increased in 2001 for the third consecutive year. This increase was attributable to the effects of economic reforms, particularly the land privatization program. Continued USG assistance for post-privatization efforts increased agricultural productivity, economic opportunities, employment, and real wages.
Performance Indicator: Basic Education Enrollment (as % of relevant population, according to the Ministry of Education)
|
CY 2000 Baseline |
CY 2001 Target |
CY 2001 Actual |
|
93.5 |
95.0 |
94.0 |
CY 2001 Results: The percentage of children enrolled in basic education (7-15 year olds) increased marginally in 2001. In 2001, basic education enrollment, as a percentage, reached 1989 pre-independence levels, following years of significantly decreasing rates in the 1990s. USG assistance, in the form of USDA's Food for Education Program, which fed 300,000 students in 2,500 schools, contributed to this increase in attendance.
SECURITY, REGIONAL STABILITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Performance Indicator: Freedom House Nations in Transit 2003 Corruption Rating
(1 = highest, 7 = lowest; data based on previous calendar year)
|
FY 2002 Baseline |
FY 2003 Target |
FY 2003 Actual |
|
6.25 |
5.25 |
6.25 |
FY 2003 Results: At the end of 2003, the President harshly criticized the Center for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption (CCECC) for its shortcomings, and has demanded that it raise its professional and ethical standards. However, the overall situation did not improve in 2003, due in part to low public salaries and excessive regulation of public services and economic activities.
Performance Indicator: Trafficking in Persons (Number of trafficking victims repatriated by International Organization for Migration)
|
CY 2002 Baseline |
CY 2003 Target |
CY 2003 Actual |
|
292 |
250 |
189 (through Nov. 2003) |
FY 2003 Results: The Moldovan Government began to recognize the gravity of this problem in FY 2003, increasing its cooperation with donors, with senior-level officials speaking out more frequently on the issue and the Government's National Committee on Anti-trafficking meeting more regularly. The number of repatriated trafficking victims has fallen from 365 in 2001, the year USG anti-trafficking assistance began, to 292 in 2002 and 189 in the first eleven months of 2003.
Performance Indicator: Customs collections (Dollar equivalents in millions, as reported by the Customs Department)
|
CY 2002 Baseline |
CY 2003 Target |
CY 2003 Actual |
|
147 |
200 |
255 (preliminary) |
FY 2003 Results: Illicit shipments of weapons from and through the separatist region of Transnistria remained a threat to regional security. The USG helped persuade the Ukrainian and Moldovan Governments to conclude a new customs agreement in 2003. Ukraine now recognizes only Moldovan Government-authorized customs seals. USG assistance helped facilitate an increase of approximately 40 percent in Customs' revenue collections in 2003. USG assistance also helped integrate Moldova more thoroughly into the GUUAM Group and the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI). At the USG's urging, the Moldovan Government joined the Trade and Transportation Facility in Southeast Europe (TTFSE), and agreed to implement the program with USG assistance in two years instead of the customary four years.
FY 2003 FUNDS BUDGETED FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO MOLDOVA
TOTAL USG FUNDS BUDGETED: $51.41
VALUE OF DONATED HUMANITARIAN COMMODITIES: $12.32
TOTAL FY 2003 USG ASSISTANCE: $63.73
(IN MILLIONS, AS OF 12/31/03)
FSA FUNDS BUDGETED: $30.24
USAID - Democratic Reform - $4.00
USAID - Private-Sector Initiatives - $12.79
USAID - Social-Sector Reform - $4.23
USAID - x Enterprise Funds - $0.75
USAID TOTAL - $21.76
Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - Cochran Fellowship Program - $0.15
DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) TOTAL - $0.15
Dept. of Commerce - BISNIS Business Info. Service - $0.07
Dept. of Commerce - Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) - $0.25
Dept. of Commerce - SABIT Business Internships/Training - $0.20
DEPT. OF COMMERCE TOTAL - $0.52
Dept. of State - ECA Public Diplomacy Exchanges - $3.71
Dept. of State - EUR Democracy Programs (incl.Dem.Comms.& NED) - $0.20
Dept. of State - EUR/ACE Humanitarian Transport - $0.50
Dept. of State - INL Law Enforcement - $0.70
Dept. of State - International Information Programs (IIP) - $0.02
Dept. of State - Performance Funds - $0.50
DEPT. OF STATE TOTAL - $5.63
Dept. of the Treasury - Technical Advisors - $0.50
DEPT. OF THE TREASURY TOTAL - $0.50
NSF - Civilian R&D Foundation (CRDF) - $1.69
OTHER FUNDS BUDGETED: - $21.17
USAID - P.L. 480, Title II Food Assistance - $0.07
USAID TOTAL - $0.07
Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) - PVO / NGO Food Aid Programs - $15.05
DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) TOTAL - $15.05
Dept. of State - ECA Public Diplomacy Exchanges - $0.50
Dept. of State - Export Control & Related Border Security (EXBS) - $0.98
Dept. of State - Foreign Military Financing (FMF) - $1.00
Dept. of State - International Information Programs (IIP) - $0.02
Dept. of State - Internatl. Military Educ. & Training (IMET) - $0.99
Dept. of State - PRM Humanitarian Assistance - $0.10
DEPT. OF STATE TOTAL $3.58
Dept. of Defense - Humanitarian Assistance $0.33
Dept. of Defense - International Counterproliferation - $0.15
DEPT. OF DEFENSE TOTAL - $0.48
Peace Corps - Volunteers - $2.00
