Alona Shkrum, First Deputy Minister of Community and Territory Development, and Andriy Kashuba, Deputy Minister of Community and Territory Development, participated in the presentation of the Bessarabia Region Recovery Investment Plan (BRIP). This comprehensive study was conducted by the international consulting firm RoyalHaskoningDHV with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
“The Bessarabia Region Recovery Investment Plan (BRIP) is a strategic initiative that opens new opportunities for infrastructure development, the agro-industrial complex, and social services. We encourage active cooperation among government agencies, international financial organizations, and the private sector. The Ministry is ready to support the implementation of investment initiatives. In particular, today’s discussion will help shape practical solutions for the region’s sustainable development. I would like to thank our international partners for supporting the development of Bessarabia,” noted Alona Shkrum.
The RoyalHaskoningDHV study takes into account, among other things, the region’s economic profile, transport vehicles, expected trade flows, investment opportunities, the institutional capacity of key stakeholders, and major risks and mitigation measures.
"Since the start of the full-scale war, the Bessarabia region has undergone significant economic changes. The blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports has made the Danube ports of Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaysk crucial for supporting Ukraine's exports and trade. The transport infrastructure, which once played a secondary role, has become a vital corridor for Ukrainian agricultural exports and the supply of essential goods. The throughput capacity of the ports has more than doubled, highlighting the resilience and strategic importance of this region. The presentation of this research provides a great opportunity for us to have discussions, exchange ideas, and form a common vision for the future development of Bessarabia. Thank you to our colleagues from RoyalHaskoningDHV for the in-depth research and to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for their unwavering support of Ukraine,” said Andriy Kashuba.
He also noted that the sharp increase in transport volumes has put significant strain on the existing infrastructure, requiring urgent investments in port modernization, improving road and rail connections, and enhancing logistics processes.
Moreover, the agricultural sector in Bessarabia, which is the backbone of the region’s economy, has faced serious challenges due to supply chain disruptions, a labor shortage, and instability in the global market.
