The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) headquarters in Tokyo hosted a promotional event celebrating Moldovan wines, drawing representatives from major Japanese media outlets.
Later in the day, one of Japan’s largest wine importers held a tasting event attended by 60 distributors and wine enthusiasts, all eager to experience Moldova’s diverse wine offerings.
“For Moldovans, wine is about bringing people together, sharing emotions, and having meaningful conversations. Seeing the Japanese experience our wine with the same spirit shows that, despite the distance, we share common values,” said Ludmila Catlabuga, Moldova’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry. “It’s an honor to be in Tokyo and speak about Moldovan wines.”
Moldova has exported wine to Japan for a decade, and 2024 marks a record year. The country exported 409,000 liters to Japan—nearly double the 209,000 liters delivered in 2023 and well above 2022’s total of 283,000 liters.
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Earlier this year, Moldova opened its National Vine and Wine Office in Tokyo—a strategic step aimed at expanding its presence in the Japanese market and strengthening commercial and cultural ties in the wine sector.
Over the past five years, Japan has provided Moldova with approximately €42 million in financial support through JICA, combining grants and concessional loans. This assistance has supported several key projects, including:
- Supplying modern medical equipment to five hospitals, improving healthcare nationwide
- Delivering 19 emergency vehicles to firefighters and rescue teams
- Launching sustainable farming initiatives, including €2.6 million in eco-technologies like photovoltaic systems for 47 farms
- Providing €2 million in subsidies for agricultural fertilizers
- Equipping the National Library with modern tools to enable digitization and expand access to Moldova’s cultural heritage
These projects reflect the mutual trust and strong partnership between Moldova and Japan—a relationship that continues to deliver tangible benefits for both nations and their citizens.