Duty-free exports and new investments top the agenda of the Popșoi–Cassis meeting
A business forum held in Zurich focused on attracting investments and fostering collaboration between the business sectors of the Republic of Moldova and Switzerland. This event was a key topic during discussions between Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi and his Swiss counterpart, Ignazio Cassis, in Bern.
The event, scheduled for March 12, 2026, will bring together representatives from the private sectors of both countries. Participants will come from various fields, including agriculture and the agri-food industry, construction and engineering, and the electronics industry.
The organizers aim to strengthen direct relations between entrepreneurs and identify new investment opportunities in key sectors of the Moldovan economy.
The discussions also focused on leveraging the opportunities provided by the Free Trade Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the EFTA states. Starting in April 2025, Moldovan companies will be able to export duty-free or at reduced rates to Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, thereby expanding their access to a market with significant purchasing power.
During the meeting, the two ministers acknowledged the increase in bilateral trade and agreed to continue their efforts to stimulate investments and develop economic cooperation.
In addition to discussing the economic agenda, security-related issues and coordination within international organizations were addressed. The Moldovan minister welcomed Switzerland's upcoming Presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026, especially given the current challenges facing European security.
The conversation also included collaboration with the Council of Europe, particularly regarding the Republic of Moldova's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers from November 2025 to May 2026.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mihai Popșoi invited Ignazio Cassis to participate in the ministerial session of the Committee of Ministers, scheduled to take place in Chișinău in May.
