On 6th of July, Viceprime-minister, minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar visited Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP). The purpose of his visit was to review the progress the construction of the new container and general cargo terminal and assess the impact of the ongoing floods on the construction of the new terminal as well as the operation of the existing oil and grain terminals.
During his visit, the administration of the port organized an excursion to the existing facilities and the flooded construction site. “The situation is indeed exceptional however all the necessary precautions measures were undertaken to ensure high level security for the Oil and Grain Terminals. Both terminals are operable now and right after the water retreats the construction works will restart.” summed up following the excursion Mr. Valeriu Lazar.
Regarding the development of GIFP he furthermore stated, “the investor continues to invest and fortunately the state does not stay much behind in creating all necessary conditions for developing the infrastructure up to here, to the Port”. Also after a round-table discussion with the General Director of EASEUR Holding BV, Thomas Moser and his management team, Mr. Lazar declared: “Today I realized that there is considerable interest from international companies in becoming residents within the business park of GIFP and I am very glad that there are agents willing to invest in Moldova who follow the example of this investor here”.
The situation on the construction sight however remains unchanged, for as long as there are expected increases in the level of water. Thomas Moser, the chairman of EASEUR Holding BV, the main shareholder of DANUBE Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port declared to the press that an estimative value of damages caused by the high waters is of EUR 1.5-2mln consisting of idle costs, of the equipment, the mobilization and demobilization of international workers as well the consolidation of Prut and Danube river banks. However a more accurate evaluation of financial damages the company incurred will be possible only after the water retreats and an appreciation of damages conducted.
