OREANDA-NEWS. April 13, 2016. The World Bank is ready to support new projects in the development of Information Technology and Communications, focusing on social impact projects, to contribute to the development of disadvantaged sectors and regions economically and technologically. Identification of opportunities for assistance to the Republic of Moldova in achieving the goals of "Digital Moldova 2020" Agenda on the creation of infrastructure for broadband internet in rural areas was the issue addressed today  by the Minister of Information Technology and Communications Vasile Botnari and the ICT Department team of the World Bank .

"We are in the process of implementing a rather ambitious agenda for the development of the national digital content and electronic services. The objective assumed by the MITC by promoting the Program on the development of broadband networks for the years 2016-2020 is to reduce the gap of high-speed internet and disparities between urban and rural areas, thereby enhancing the quality of life in those areas, giving people more opportunities for economic and cultural development, "said Vasile Botnari, who stressed that the support of partners like the World Bank in  the development of national projects as well as attracting investments in ICT is very important.

Another project with high social impact, according to the Minister of ICT, is the implementation of the Single Emergency Calls Service 112. "We rely on the support of partners in implementing this important project, which will ensure citizens' access to emergency services by dialing a single number 112 using new technologies", said Vasile Botnari.

Mr. Jerome Bezzina, the Senior Economist of WB ICT Department said in his turn that the Digital Agenda is an important area in terms of commitment of the World Bank in Moldova. "The World Bank supports the efforts of the Moldovan government expansion of public services with implementation of technologies dedicated  to citizens and economic operators. We will examine the instruments that the World Bank has at the moment, through which the support could be given to implement these projects, "said Jerome Bezzina. Representatives of the World Bank team in Chisinau also noted that currently the Government should set the priorities for the next period of collaboration with the World Bank, to be able to fast forward the realization of the projects under discussion.