Moldovan producers to be exempted from customs duties on exports to Russian Federation

Chisinau, 5 November /MOLDPRES/- Moldovan producers will be exempted from customs duties on exports to the Russian Federation of vegetables, fruit, canned fruits and vegetables and wine products. President Igor Dodon made the statement today.

According to the official, the decision was made at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and will come into force on 1 January 2019. "Over the last three years, we have a positive dynamics of trade on the Russian market. At the same time, customs duties make our products less competitive. For example, producers pay 6 eurocents for exporting one kg of apples, and for wine the duty is 12%. The decision will concern several hundred Moldovan producers. This will only be valid for half a year, as the deadline is needed to be discussed at the government level, which will result in an official decision. Soon, Rospotrebnadzor experts will pay a visit to Chisinau to expand the list of producers who export products to the Russian market. Currently, their number reaches 200 ", Dodon said.

At the same time, the head of state pointed out that about 180,000 Moldovans, who have violated the law and are forbidden to enter Russia, will receive amnesty. "The provision will come into force on 1 January 2019. We also discussed the increase in the number of budget places for young people from our country wishing to study in the Russian Federation. At present, 1,000 budget places are provided, and we hope the figure will be increased. We also set the year 2019 to be declared the Year of the Republic of Moldova in the Russian Federation, and 2020 - the Year of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova, and to work out a plan of common activities in this respect,” he said.

The official said he talked to his Russian counterpart about providing support for implementation of infrastructure projects in Moldova. “It is about repair or construction of roads.  Projects could be implemented next year. At the same time, we decided that first batch of special equipment for local authorities in our country will be sent next week. Also, we reiterated we support a balanced foreign policy and good relations with all foreign partners,” he said.

Dodon paid an official visit to Russia on 31 October-1 November. He met Russian President Vladimir Putin, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and students from Moscow State University M.V.Lomonosov.

(Reporter A. Ciobanu, editor A. Răileanu)