Japan is granting the Republic of Moldova a €49 million loan to modernize agriculture
The Government of Japan will grant the Republic of Moldova a loan worth more than 8.6 billion Japanese yen, equivalent to 974 million lei or approximately 49 million euros. The funds will support the agricultural sector, helping farmers purchase tractors, combine harvesters, and other modern farming equipment.
The support is primarily intended for small and medium-sized agricultural producers who require high-performance machinery to develop their businesses and reduce production costs.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi and the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova, Takeuchi Kazuyuki, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Funding will be provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the project will be implemented by the Agency for the Development and Modernization of Agriculture (ADMA).
The loan is structured for a 20-year term, including a six-year grace period. Farmers will receive the machinery through lease agreements, under favorable financial terms. The program will also include training for farmers, support for farm management, and the promotion of soil-conserving cultivation methods.
“Japan is a trusted partner of the Republic of Moldova, and the support provided over the years is reflected in concrete projects that have a direct impact on our country’s development. Through this agreement, we are taking another step toward modernizing agriculture by providing farmers with access to advanced technologies and equipment. We value Japan’s consistent contribution and look forward to further strengthening this partnership for the benefit of our citizens,” stated Mihai Popșoi.
This is not the first instance of such funding provided by Japan. In the first phase of the MAME program, which began in 2021, farmers were able to purchase—under preferential terms—machinery for field operations, as well as equipment for sorting, packaging, and processing agricultural produce. By May 2025, 350 farmers had received funding, with 535 contracts signed, totaling over 640 million lei.
Japan’s support for the Republic of Moldova extends beyond agriculture. Over the years, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the country has received over 120 million euros in assistance for the modernization of hospitals, the provision of emergency response equipment, the enhancement of energy security, and the development of public institutions.
The public broadcaster Teleradio-Moldova has also benefited from Japanese support. In March 2026, it signed a non-repayable grant agreement worth approximately one million euros to modernize its audiovisual production equipment. The project includes equipping the Moldova 2 channel, technically upgrading Studio 2, and outfitting the studio used by the National Symphony Orchestra.
