Press Statement
October 29, 2009
Cahul, Moldova – A significant obstacle to transacting business with the government outside Chisinau was cleared today with the launch of the digital signature office in Cahul by the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Asif Chaudhry. Electronic signatures issued in Cahul through the office will be used by businesses to digitally sign needed documents for electronic submission of reports and tax declarations as well as to access various electronic services such as e-procurement and personal e-data, like social insurance and tax accounts.
The office was launched in Cahul under the aegis of the USAID|BIZTAR Project, which works with the Government of Moldova to improve the country's business environment. In particular, USAID|BIZTAR is reducing bureaucracy affecting the private sector by cutting the time needed for reporting, curtailing opportunities for corruption, streamlining tax administration, and improving access for citizens and businesses to government information. The launch of the digital signatures office was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cahul branch.
Cahul entrepreneurs can now save considerable time and money to get their e-signature in Cahul and, as a result, avoid waiting in long lines to submit reports and tax declarations.
This is also one of the first public-private sector partnerships for service delivery with a centralized government agency, in this case with the Center for Special Telecommunications, using a business association (CCI-Cahul) to deliver services on its behalf outside Chisinau.
The Cahul branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI-Cahul) is one of the most active partners of USAID|BIZTAR. It has used BIZTAR resources to relaunch the Regional Working Group on Regulatory Reform (which covers three rayons), and it continues to manage the OSS established in the past with USAID assistance. CCI-Cahul now is the first regional entity allowed to issue digital signatures outside of Chisinau.
Community leaders and businessmen, representatives of the US Embassy and USAID, members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Center for Special Telecommunications, local authorities, and journalists attended the event.
###
With funding from the United States Government, USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries to provide a better future for all.