In March, ILO - CEET joined UNDP Moldova in its ¥Governance and Democracy - Strengthening Local Governments� project, which focuses on facilitating administrative decentralisation by strengthening the efficiency and capacity of local governments, especially in strategic planning and economic development, financial and information management, and human resource and organisational development.

Part of the project focuses on the Anenii Noi region. The objective is to study the social, economic and environmental situation, and to develop, in co-operation with the local and district authorities and other important local and national institutions, a strategy for the promotion of environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable economic restructuring and development. Because of its experience in this field, ILO - CEET will co-operate with the project team (including UNDP, Dutch Association of Municipalities, and other experts).

The first mission concentrated on establishing contacts with national and local government officials and other local institutions (union, labour office, enterprises), and getting acquainted with current circumstances in Anenii Noi. A second mission will be organised in October and a draft strategy aimed at overcoming the major social and economic problems will be discussed with the local partners at the end of the year. Meanwhile, the team will carry out several socio-economic studies in the district, complemented by training activities for local authorities and other institutions. MK