Dumitru Alaiba: "The signing of the Agreement with EFTA will help Moldova increase export volumes to these markets"
The signing of the Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which brings together countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, will help the Republic of Moldova to increase export volumes to these markets, and entrepreneurs will achieve success in those markets, Minister of Economic Development and Digitisation Dumitru Alaiba said at a press conference. The official stressed that the signing of the agreement is an important step towards the economic growth and sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova.
The agreement signed by the Republic of Moldova with EFTA countries is a significant step for our country in terms of expanding export markets and strengthening trade relations, stressed the Minister of Economic Development and Digitisation, Dumitru Alaiba. By eliminating customs duties for Moldovan products in EFTA countries, the Republic of Moldova opens new export opportunities and attracts the attention of very prosperous economies, the official added.
"The EFTA member states offered improved market access compared to other countries such as Georgia, Ukraine, Turkey and other non-EU countries. We also obtained significant facilitations for both basic and processed agricultural products such as dairy products, honey, fresh vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage and others. Dried vegetables, fresh fruit apples, pears, grapes, apricots, plums, strawberries, cherries, other seasonal fruit, dried fruit, nuts, some cereals, wheat flour used for industrial purposes, oilseeds including sunflower seeds, sunflower seed oil used for industrial purposes, prepared or preserved vegetables and fruit, juices and fruit juices, i.e. everything produced. Basically, everything that this land produces will have greater access, easier access to these new markets," said Dumitru Aliaba.
Last week, the Republic of Moldova and the European Free Trade Association signed an agreement allowing Moldovan products to be traded duty and tariff free on the markets of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The authorities believe this will boost trade and is an important step towards economic integration with Europe.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, last year exports of Moldovan products to the European Free Trade Association countries amounted to about $67 million and imports to more than $56 million.
So far, the four countries Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein) have signed 29 free trade agreements with countries outside the European Union.
