The best protection for a state is not the traditionally perceived security; but transparent justice and lack of corruption because corruption affects state security, said Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola, Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, IPN reports.

In a debate forum focusing on Moldova’s European integration, the diplomat said that investors will come to the country after the directives and regulations imposed by the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area are implemented, but they must be sure that justice is equitable.

“We must be preoccupied with the way the money coming to Moldova will function, regardless of the investors’ origin. There are commercial agreements in these areas and they must offer the possibility of being challenged and everyone should follow the same rules. There mustn’t be selective justice. We must be sure that the internal system works efficiently,” said Pirkka Tapiola.

He added that the investment climate in Moldova is good and there is skilled and cheap labor force, with unlimited export possibilities to the EU. The climate formed by the DCFTA will make Moldova more attractive for foreign investors.

“It’s not a problem if investors from Russia or China etc. come to Moldova as this will show that the Free Trade Area and the standards imposed by it are  recognized. However, the investors that will come to Moldova will have to respect the European norms, while those who do business should not become involved in politics,” stated Pirkka Tapiola.

The first annual Conference of the Moldovan European Integration Debate Forum was organized by the Foreign Policy Association and the German foundation Friedrich Ebert, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova.