Moldovan foreign affairs minister says Japan important partner for Moldova in EU integration process, modernization, reforms

Chisinau, 2 July /MOLDPRES/ - Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Tudor Ulianovschi, on a working visit to Japan, has discussed with the leadership of important Japanese institutions ways of diversifying the bilateral dialogue in the sector of official development assistance, promotion of Japanese investments in Moldova’s national economy, promotion of Moldovan exports on the market of Japan, as well as the facilitation of access of groups of Japanese tourists in Moldova, the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Ministry’s (MAEIE) press service has reported.   

At a meeting with the first deputy president of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kazuhiko Koishikawa, the foreign affairs minister reiterated the Moldovan cabinet’s appreciation for the technical assistance projects implemented through initiatives financed by the government of Japan in such sectors as agriculture, education, health and environment.  

For his part, the Japanese official pointed out the excellent fulfillment by the Moldovan authorities of the commitments taken within the projects underway. He voiced hope for initiating, in the near future, negotiations on identifying a concession loan in the agro-industrial field. Minister Tudor Ulianovschi welcomed JICA’s intention and informed about the openness of the Moldovan authorities in charge for considering the concerned proposals quickly and constructively.  

During discussions with the head of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Tadashi Shimura, the sides exchanged opinions on ways of attracting groups of tourists from Japan to Moldova. In this respect, the officials promoted a proposal to develop topic-related concepts for the public from Japan, such as The Tree of Life, Moldovan Wine – A Living Legend, Din Inima (From the Bottom of the Heart), as well as assisting companies from Moldova for participating in specialized exhibitions in the tourism industry.       

Also, following discussions with the Moldovan official, the sides agreed on holding a seminar on the promotion of Moldova’s tourism potential, in cooperation with the Moldovan Embassy in Tokyo and JATA, till late 2018.   

At a meeting with the deputy president of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), ), Naoyoshi Noguchi, Foreign Affairs Minister Tudor Ulianovschi launched an initiative of a close cooperation between JETRO and counterpart institutions from Moldova, in order to encourage investors from Japan to initiate systematic contacts with Moldovan partners.   

At the same time, the officials discussed Moldova’s representation at a business event, due in Bucharest in next November. During the action, JETRO will ensure the participation of over 20 Japanese companies representing diverse sectors of the economy. Both sides emphasized the usefulness of the presentation of the success stories of the present Japanese investments on Moldova’s market within the free economic zones - Fujikura and Sumitomo.   

At the reception, Tudor Ulianovschi informed about the organization of the second issue of the campaign on the promotion of wines and niche products, due to be held in next December. Attending the reception were officials from Japan, members of the diplomatic community accredited in Tokyo, business people and representatives of Moldovan citizens’ communities.    

The Moldovan official’s agenda includes also the giving of a speech on current priorities of Moldova’s foreign policy. The speech was followed by a Question & Answer session in dialogue with members of the Japan National Press Club, which brings together representatives of reputed media institutions from Japan.