About US$200 million was invested in Free Economic Zones since their launch in Moldova, while the investments in Industrial Parks amounted to 700 million lei. The information was provided by acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Stéphane Christophe Bridé in the forum “Industrial Parks and Free Economic Zones as instruments for developing the industrial sector and promoting exports from Moldova”, which was held in Chisinau on December 10, IPN reports.
“Even in this period, when the economic situation is not the best one, the industrial sector saw a slight grow of 4% compared with the first nine months of last year. But the possibilities offered by these instruments are not fully used. We have yet a lot to learn from the international practice,” said the official.
In Moldova, there are about 20 industrial platforms based on which Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks could be set up. Of these, three are in a very good state, four are in a good state, while the rest are in need of investments. “In this regard, we count on the support of the development partners. The authorities will do their best to improve the conditions of activity for local and foreign investors. We will plead for predictability in the promoted policies, including fiscal one,” sated Stéphane Christophe Bridé.
World Bank Country Manager for Moldova Alex Kremer said the development of the Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks allows making the change to which Moldova tends. The representative of the EU Delegation to Moldova Danielle Keulen said the legislation and the practical work of the Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks must meet the European standards. This is provided in the Deep and Compressive Free Trade Agreement with the EU, which is a component part of the Association Agreement.
“The cost of doing business in Moldova has reduced. Moldova went up in the WB Doing Business rankings. For such instruments as the Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks to be functional and to bring benefits to the country and investors, transparency in activity must be ensured. The role and responsibilities of the sides should be clearly defined and only legal businesses should be attracted into the Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks, avoiding companies that trade, for example, in counterfeit goods,” stated Danielle Keulen.
The forum was organized by the Ministry of Economy and the Employers Association of Industrial Parks of Moldova.
