The Ministry of Regional Development and Construction (MRDC) and the Center Regional Development Agency (Center RDA), in partnership with the Moldoan Embassy in Tallinn, organized a study visit to Estonia and Finland from May 21 to 25.

The goal of the visit was to facilitate an exchange of experience in regional development planning, and to establish intercommunity cooperation between Estonian and Finnish institutions and those institutions responsible for implementing regional development policies and programs in the Republic of Moldova.

The delegation from the Republic of Moldova included representatives from the MRDC, Moldovan regional development agencies (North, Center and South), the Center Regional Development Council and the German Agency for International Cooperation.

During the visit, meetings were held with the Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs, ministry officials, governors and officials from the Laane-Virumaa and Harju regions, as well as directors from the Local and Regional Development Agency in Estonia, Euroregion Helsinki-Tallinn, and the Estonian Municipal Association.  The delegation visited multiple regional development projects being implemented in Estonia.

Officials also signed a Momemorandum of Understanding between the Center Regional Development Agency in Moldova and the Local and Regional Development Agency in Estonia.  The memorandum promoted institutional cooperation in common areas of interest, including developing capacity among regional actors, for regional planning and initiating regional development projects.  During this visit, Center RDA Director Tudor Meșină emphasized the willingness of everyone to collaborate.  The director also said, ”This memorandum will lead us to work intensively to develop and strengthen partnerships and cooperation between our organizations.”

In addition, the delegation met with officials from the Helsinki City Hall, where they discussed priorities for collaboration and the identification government and local partners in Finland.

The visit was organized with the technical and financial support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

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