Moldovan, European officials approach cooperation

Chisinau, 7 November /MOLDPRES/- Prime Minister Pavel Filip today met European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom in Chisinau. The officials approached the possibilities to boost cooperation between Moldova and the EU on trade, the government’s communication and protocol department has reported.

The premier said that for Moldova it is essential to turn to good account the access to the European market. The EU is the main trading partner of Moldova with a share of over 64 per cent on export and about 50 per cent on import. At the same time, the number of companies involved in trade with EU increased and the range of products exported to the European market was diversified.

“This growth, as well as the priority interest to back farmers in the country led to our request to the EU to consider the possibility of increasing tariff quotas for table grapes, plums and cherries, and changing export conditions for wheat, barley, corn and sugar”, he said.

Also, the officials addressed the issue on export of Moldovan animal products to the European market. In this context, Filip thanked the EU for the continuous support in the implementation of the provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). At the same time, he said that the dialogue with the European official also focused on the opportunity to extend the DCFTA application deadline in the Transnistrian region for 2018.

“The cordial talks we had with the Commissioner have given me even more confidence in the success of our joint efforts to bring Moldova closer to the EU, thus providing our citizens new opportunities on a market which has shown openness to Moldova”, Filip said.

Malmstrom said that the relations between the EU and Moldova are strong, and EU will continue to back our country in implementing the reforms. Also, the European official pointed out that the entrepreneurs in our country have benefitted from the implementation of the DCFTA. Thus, producers of juices, canned fruits and vegetables have increased their exports to the EU by over 25 per cent, while wine exports have doubled. Trade volume between Moldova and EU increased by 15 per cent compared to 2015.

“Today I am going to participate in the launch of a new European project, which aims to ensure better communication with the business environment of Moldova. Entrepreneurs will be able to find out more about how they can use the benefits of the Free Trade Zone. It is a project that will further facilitate and encourage the Moldovan exports to the European market”, Malmstrom said.