The CIS states remain an important market for Moldovan products and the free trade agreements with these countries enable to export with fewer impediments. When the country is small, exports can contribute to economic growth, Deputy Minister of Economy Vitalie Iurcu said in the fifth Forum of Exporters that was held in Chisinau on October 5 as part of the Moldova Business Week 2017, IPN reports.

According to the deputy minister, even if Moldova’s exports of fruit, vegetables and medicinal and pharmaceutical products decreased in 2016 compared with 2015, trade in communications, information and business services improved. “The CIS market anyway remains an important one, including after the signing of the DCFTA agreement that contributed to the diversification of Moldova’s exports, which exports to the European Union rising from 35% in 2000 to 65% in 2016,” stated Vitalie Iurcu.

Iurie Fala, executive director of “Moldova Fruct” Association, said that a lot has been invested lately in fruit processing. Besides the climate change that brings risks, there is also the challenge of diversification of markets. “Not only the producers have to cope with these challenges, but also the state institutions that should do the necessary reforms and channel the support to priority areas. Today we bank on the support of the state and, surely, of the EU partners,” he stated.

National Office of Vine and Wine vice director Vladimir Grosu said that even if wine production increases, the exports and production volumes were larger in the past. In the future, the National Office of Vine and Wine will concentrate its efforts on the export of wine to four key markets, namely Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and China.

The forum brought together representatives of about 250 national and foreign companies operating in such areas as agro-industry, light industry and car making.