More than 80 entrepreneurs from both banks of the Nistru discussed the advantages of the Free Trade Agreement with the EU within the Support to Confidence Building Measures Program. Among the most important topics for discussion were customs clearance of goods, work of the Trade Facilitation Committee, good import-export practices and activity of the Enterprise Europe Network in Moldova, IPN reports.

Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said the EU remains Moldova’s main trading partner and the most important export market, which absorbs 64% of Moldova’s exports. “Trade with the EU remains an important pillar of the Moldovan economy. I’m glad to see entrepreneurs from both sides of the Nistru River in this hall. It is very important for you to use the available instruments and make use of the opportunities for exporting to the market of the European Union, which has the biggest purchasing potential,” he stated.

Italy’s Ambassador in Chisinau Valeria Biagiotti said Italy plays an important role in the area of direct investment in Moldova and will continue to make effort to support the Moldovan and Italian entrepreneurs.

The businessmen were able to discuss and establish partnerships with Italian entrepreneurs who already have access to the European distribution networks.

Yevgheny Frolov, representative of a Transnistrian company, said their business is interested in increasing exports to the EU and in making use of the advantages of the Free Trade Agreement.

The event was held with financial support from the EU provided through the Support to Confidence Building Measures Program that is implemented by UNDP. The Business Bridge Platform Project is carried out by the Moldovan-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Chamber of Trade of Transnistria and the Center for Social-Economic Development and Innovative Entrepreneurship Support.