Agriculture minister explains benefits of Rosselkhoznadzor office in Moldova

26.10.2016 05:37
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2 minute(s)

The reduction in costs of testing agrifood products that are to be exported to Russia and in logistic costs and Russian authorities’ greater trust in the safety of products imported from Moldova will be among the benefits of a branch of the Federal Service for Phytosanitary and Veterinary Surveillance of Russia (Rosselkhoznadzor) in Moldova. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Eduard Grama developed the issue in the talk show “Yellow code” on 10TV channel, IPN reports.

The official said warmer relations have been now established with Russia. In this connection, in the last discussions with his Russian counterpart, Eduard Grama proposed opening a branch of Rosselkhoznadzor in Moldova. The minister noted he would like a local office of Rosspotrebnadzor to also be opened in Moldova, but this is a separate body and he was unable to raise the issue during his last visit to Russia.

The reduction in certification costs will be the first noticeable benefit of the opening of a branch of Rosselkhoznadzor. Today all the Moldovan producers that export to Russia are subject to double certification, initially in Moldova and then in Russia. Eduard Grama said that if there was a local office of Rosselkhoznadzor in Moldova, the certification costs would be diminished. Also, less money and time will be spent on product check and the waiting time in customs will be significantly reduced.

Establishment of correct relations is the third benefit. The minister underlined that the Russian specialists will be able to see the Moldovan authorities’ attitude to exports and to check the process so as to make sure that products from Moldova are not be re-exported.

“We proposed co-financing the foundation of this branch and told them that we will offer the area needed for a lab and will purchase the equipment. We hope the discussions will advance at the end of November,” said Eduard Grama.

There are now 160 laboratories in Moldova and many analyses are doubled. The minister stated that they aim to create a common lab, possibly together with the Russian colleagues.