Although Moldova has a series of trade facilities both in Western and Eastern markets, the export results are below expectations, observed the head of the Industry and Commerce Chamber (ICC) Gheorghe Cucu, presenting an analysis at the 3rd ICC Congress, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The ICC was involved in implementing some projects, including some funded by the World Bank, as a result of which 400 companies had the chances to procure services of consultancy for the development of the export capacity and the improvement of products offered on the market, as well as for the implementation and certification of ISO quality management standards. The ICC implemented these standards which allowed us to move to a new level of quality of assistance provided to companies”, stressed Gheorghe Cucu. In his opinion, there is a lot of work to do, especially in regards to the liberalization of trade with the European Union, as the negotiations regarding the Agreement for Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade with the EU are underway. “We must join our efforts with the state institutions, with business associations, to strengthen the companies’ capacity and enable them to meet any requirements so that their products are able to compete with the European one both on the foreign markets and on the domestic market”, said the CCI head. Prime Minister Vlad Filat said that this institution’s role is to inform businessmen about the benefits from signing the Free Trade Agreement with the EU, the new Free Trade Agreement with the CIS partners, and about the need to keep up with the competition. Alexandra Can, head of the Artima Company, said that companies that launch new products and use consultancy services for developing businesses have a modern management and don’t have to fear the competition. Gheorghe Malai, head of a clothing company in Cahul, thinks that the mentality of business people in Moldova is changing and the ICC has a decisive role in it. “Many light industry companies launch products with their own brands and export them to Europe. We’re preparing to do the same. And if the Government doesn’t help us, at least it doesn’t hinder us”, said the businessman. The ICC is a nongovernmental, autonomous and independent organization, based on the membership quality, which represents the overall interests of companies in Moldova. Currently, the ICC has 1,390 members, including some from the eastern districts of Moldova. At the 3rd Congress (ICC congresses take place once in 5 years), Gheorghe Cucu was reelected chairman.