Moldova's patent reform a success, but some stragglers remain
Moldova's government has announced that about 80% of former patent holders have transitioned to independent activity.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, 3,319 out of 4,202 merchants have complied with the patent reform and purchased a cash register.
Bălți, in the northern part of the country, had the highest transition rate, with 67% of merchants complying.
Other regions with high compliance rates include Ungheni, Strășeni, Soroca, Leova, Ialoveni, Florești, Fălești, Criuleni, Călărași, and Cahul.
In the capital, Chișinău, 80% of merchants have transitioned to independent activity.
The lowest transition rate was in Briceni, in the north-east of the country, with 52% of merchants complying.
The government extended the deadline for former patent holders to request compensation for transition costs from June 30 to September 15.
The government has allocated 35 million lei ($1.7 million) to cover compensation payments.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
