Moldova launches second phase of "Inclusive and Productive Jobs" project, aiming to create over 100,000 jobs
The Republic of Moldova is taking another important step towards the transition to a dynamic, productive, and inclusive labor market by launching the second phase of the “Inclusive and Productive Jobs” project. The initiative is being implemented in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.
The Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, emphasized on Friday, March 20, that the event marks the continuation of a joint commitment to building a more resilient labor market in the Republic of Moldova. The project aims to provide more employment opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups.
“While in 2021 the employment rate among women was 47%, we have now raised this rate to 55%. The direction is good, but we need to continue investing in key institutions such as the National Employment Agency and the State Labour Inspectorate, in order to align systems with European standards and improve the services offered to citizens,” the minister underlined.
Among the main objectives of this phase of the project are to facilitate the employment of over 100,000 people over the next four years and to create more than 5,000 new nursery places – measures designed to offer flexibility and support to young families.
Regarding the fight against informal work, Natalia Plugaru pointed out that last year 8,000 people without an employment contract were identified. “For the current year, the Ministry’s objective is to legalize at least 10,000 employees who are working illegally,” stated Natalia Plugaru. At the same time, the minister mentioned the need to reduce wage disparities between women and men, which currently stand at around 16%.
The representative of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, Valerie Berset Bircher, stressed the importance of strong social dialogue for social and economic stability. “In addition to financing this program, Switzerland will fund a consortium of international employment experts. These experts will work with the National Employment Agency to support the implementation of reforms,” noted Valerie Berset Bircher.
The second phase of the project will integrate interventions at the policy level, as well as sectoral and company-level measures, to ensure a lasting impact and a more inclusive and productive labor market. The project aims to support at least four legislative acts by 2027 and to continue supporting the National Employment Program, including by granting 6,000 agricultural-sector vouchers by the end of 2026.
