Moldova to sign free trade agreement with United Kingdom

Chisinau, 8 February /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova will sign a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. An agreement on principle was agreed upon at a today’s meeting between Parliament Speaker Andrian Candu and British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Alan Duncan, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.   

The meeting took place on the sidelines of a working visit to the UK by the Moldovan parliament speaker. The two officials discussed opportunities of investments in Moldova, need to maintain and increase the commercial exchanges, including after the Brexit. Presently, the balance of trade between the two countries is on a positive trend, with the United Kingdom being the fifth most significant importer of Moldova.  

Andrian Candu appreciated the assistance in the reforms’ sector for Moldova through the Good Governance Fund. Till late 2017, five million euros will be earmarked through this fund to implement eight projects concerning the fight against corruption, improving the business environment, justice reform, financial and banking sector, energy field and public administration.  

Sir Alan Duncan welcomed the progress made in promoting reforms and carrying out international commitments taken by the Moldovan government. The minister of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs said he considered possibility to open a representation of the British Council in Moldova. The British Council is a governmental institution, which represents the British culture and collaborates in the culture and education sectors.  

Also, the UK official hailed a proposal by the parliament speaker to receive assistance and expertise in settling subjects regarding the audiovisual, propaganda, misinforming, as well as development of the local media content. It is worth mentioning that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom presently backs development of BBC programmes in the Russian language. In the context, the sides agreed to organize a forum in next May, due to tackle the issue of information security and developing information products on a market like the one of Moldova.       

The sides also approached the Transnistrian problem, which beyond the security risks for the entire region, is an obstacle to the country’s development and attracting investors. In this respect, officials of the Foreign Office promised assistance and expertise for Moldova in the conflict settlement process, taking into account United Kingdom’s experience in this field.