The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) brought substantial benefits to the economy of the Republic of Moldova. After three years of implementation, Moldova’s exports to the EU market rose by two thirds, while imports from the EU into Moldova grew by 50%, EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said in a news conference held in Chisinau together with Prime Minister Pavel Filip, IPN reports.

The commercial relations between the Republic of Moldova and the EU became very close. The DCFTA provided to Moldova preferential access to the largest market of the world, duty-free export and many investment opportunities. The fruit, vegetable and can producers increased their exports by 20%. Wine exports rose two times, stated Cecilia Malmström. According to the EU Commissioner, reforms should be continued in the area of food safety as there are barriers to the export of products of vegetal and animal origin. “We discussed the reforms that should be done so that the exporters of eggs and meat have access to the EU market. The fight against corruption is also important for the investors to feel protected in the Republic of Moldova,” said Cecilia Malmström.

For his part, Pavel Filip noted that the DCFTA is a very important agreement for the Republic of Moldova and the access to the European market provided by this should be fully used. “Exports to the EU market rose to 64%. Imports from the EU into the Republic of Moldova represent 50%. We notice a continuous increase in the number of companies involved in trade with the EU and the diversification of the type of exported products,” stated the Premier.

He also said the achieved results made the Moldovan authorities ask for a rise in the export quotas for grapes, plums and cherries and for the modification of the export conditions for wheat, barley, corn and sugar. He and Cecilia Malmström discussed the possibility of extending the DCFTA to the Transnistrian region next year as well. As regards the export of products of animal and vegetal origin, Pavel Filip said many reforms are yet to be done. “The prospects are clear to us. I’m confident that next year will be a productive one for the Republic of Moldova in this regard,” he noted.

EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström is paying a visit to Chisinau during November 6 – 7.