A number of 75 companies from both sides of the Nistru River promoted their goods on the EU market and strengthened the cooperation relations within a project implemented by the Chamber of Trade and Industry with the financial assistance of the EU – UNDP Project “Support to Confidence Building Measures”, IPN reports.

The head of the Chamber of Trade and Industry Valeriu Lazar told a summing-up conference that nothing unites the people more than the common problems. He voiced hope that the future projects will create platforms for discussion for the business sector. “We can say that this project is a success because it allowed establishing cooperation relations in different areas and I hope that the Transnistrian region will become part of the Community market,” he stated.

The Head of the Political and Economic Section of the EU Delegation to Moldova Wicher Slagter said 37% of the Transnistrian region’s exports are directed to the European Union, while the region’s imports from the EU represent 17%. “The European Union is ready to help the Transnistrian region and its business community to build confidence. The EU can become an important factor of positive change. We are ready to help you,” he stated.

He added that when the Free Trade Agreement with the EU starts to be applied, the Community market will open for a wide range of Moldovan services and products, while the companies will have to meet all the quality requirements and standards.

Businessman from Tiraspol Nicolai Malache managed to start a dried tomatoes and fruit business. Owing to this project, he could present his products at two international exhibitions. “I realized how we must sell our products. I was pleasantly surprised to see that our products are in demand and that there is a shortage of such products on the home market. I already signed a number of contracts for the supply of dried plums with firms from Sofia, Bulgaria,” he stated.

The EU – UNDP Project “Support to Confidence Building Measures” had been implemented in 2012- 2015.