Moldovan premier opts for open dialogue with domestic producers of canned goods

Chisinau, 22 April /MOLDPRES/ - Prime Minister Chiril Gaburici visited the Orhei-Vit company on 21 April. At the enterprise, the prime minister discussed with the fruit and vegetable processing filed producers about their problems and ways to overcome them, the government’s communication and media relations department has reported.

The Orhei-Vit top management informed the prime minister on the conditions in which the company worked, noting that this was the only factory of Moldova that works not only during the harvest season, but also all year round.

"I was surprised to see how much dedication and professionalism the people working here have. I highly appreciate what you do and we want to have an open dialogue with you, to easier identify solutions to the problems you are facing. Your problems are our problems too," said Chiril Gaburici.

During the visit, the prime minister met members of the Speranta-Con Association of Canned Goods Producers, which brings together nine businesses in the area.

Among the topics tackled with the Association members, there were need to open new markets, subsidising the activity of processing enterprises, protection and promotion of domestic producers, reducing the value-added tax (VAT) from 20 per cent to 8 per cent. The producers also said they would like to have access to credits on easy terms, and a 10-per cent tax on Moldovan imports of fruit and vegetables processed products, levied by Ukraine, to be removed.

The prime minister said the government was willing to consider all recommendations and proposals coming from businesses and assured them of every support in this respect.

"We continue to work on rectifying the budget for this year, and soon we will start discussions on the budget for 2016. We count on your help, as only together we can find the best solutions," added Chiril Gaburici.

Attending the talks was also Deputy Agriculture Minister Vlad Loghin.

(Editor A. Raileanu)