Japan

     

    Development / Implementation Agency

    Japan provides technical assistance as well as non-reimbursable funds and concessional loans to the Republic of Moldova through: the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Kusanone Program, and other individual projects in sectors of the national economy such as: agriculture, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, health, education, environment, promotion of culture, etc. Training courses are also organized in Japan for Moldovan experts in various fields, and Japanese experts are delegated to the Republic of Moldova through JICA-funded internships.

    The Japan International Cooperation Agency is the governmental organization implementing official development assistance granted by Japan to developing countries.

    Contact Details

    Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Moldova

    73/1 Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Blvd., National Business Center, 5th floor, Chișinău, MD-2001

    Tel: +373-22-23-3380

    E-mail: japan.chisinau@ci.mofa.go.jp

    Website: https://www.md.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

    Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

    JICA Ukraine Office (for Ukraine and Moldova):

    Ukraine, 04070, Kyiv, Podil, 8 Illinska St., ILLINSKY Business Center, Entrance 1, 2nd floor

    Tel: +38 (044) 224-5859

    Email: ua_oso_rep@jica.go.jp

    Mariana Gherghi

    JICA Project Coordinator in Moldova within the JICA Ukraine Office (for Ukraine and Moldova)

    E-mail: gherghi.mariana@gmail.com

    Website: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/moldova/index.html

    Priority Sectors / Areas of Cooperation

    The JICA Strategy for the Republic of Moldova sets out the following development objectives:

    • Promoting sustainable economic development - developing and diversifying industry in Moldova by improving the business environment and training the industrial workforce to attract domestic and foreign investment. Japan supports agriculture and food processing as key industries in Moldova by enhancing productivity and international competitiveness. Additionally, Japan contributes to promoting energy efficiency, clean energy, and the development of green cities in Moldova to reduce its reliance on Russian natural gas.

    • Improving living standards - Japan provides assistance in health and medical care, education, disaster prevention, etc., through institutional capacity building, human resource development, and financial assistance, leading to improved quality and efficiency of public services and higher living standards. Special attention is given to areas where Japanese technologies and expertise can be applied regarding human resource development.

    • Improving governance - Japan supports the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Moldova to enhance governance through reforms such as judicial system reform to eradicate corruption and strengthen democracy.

    Type of Funds / Financial Instruments and Modalities of Assistance

    • Assistance through the Embassy:

      • Grants for goods and equipment.

      • The “Kusanone” Human Security Grant Program provides non-reimbursable funding for small-scale local projects benefiting medical institutions, schools, kindergartens, local public authorities, and NGOs. Intervention areas include: capital repairs, medical or diagnostic equipment provision, and community infrastructure improvements (water supply, heating).

    • Assistance through JICA:

      • Concessional loans - long-term loans aimed at supporting the state budget, economic reforms, and crisis mitigation (including managing refugee flows or post-pandemic recovery).

      • Grants for emergency response goods and equipment – non-reimbursable funds designated to equip state institutions with specialized equipment (such as turntable ladders and fire trucks) or to modernize the infrastructure of public media and cultural institutions.

      • Sectoral and technical projects - funding and expertise for modernizing the health system (advanced equipment for hospitals) and improving disaster risk management.

    Programming, Approval, and Project Implementation Procedures

    Projects are established in alignment with bilateral cooperation priorities and the assistance needs of potential beneficiary countries. Beneficiaries are public institutions (hospitals, schools), local authorities, and non-profit organizations that submit small-scale development project proposals. The Embassy evaluates project proposals according to human security criteria and long-term impact. Once selected and approved, a Grant Agreement is signed between the Embassy and the beneficiary institution. The non-reimbursable financial resources are allocated strictly for achieving the approved purpose. The beneficiary submits interim, financial, and audit reports throughout execution and upon project completion. Final acceptance is marked by a handover ceremony, followed by post-implementation evaluation visits by the Embassy.