Investments in free economic zones in the first quarter of this year totaled US$173.9 million, up 19.2% compared with the corresponding period last year, IPN reports, quoting a report by the Economy Ministry.

The Free Enterprise Zone “Expo-Business Chisinau” attracted the largest part of the investments -29.9%. Investments in the zone “Ungheni-Business” represented 28.7%. The total net sales of industrial products manufactured by the residents of the free economic zones in January-March rose by 23.6% compared with the similar period last year, to 601 million lei.

The exports of goods and services from these zones increased by 18.3% to 588.1 million lei, representing 8.3% of Moldova’s exports in the first quarter of this year.

The net sales of all kinds of activities carried out in the free economic zones came to 722.1 million lei, an increase compared with January-March last year.

Seven free economic zones with 160 residents worked in Moldova in the first quarter of this year. The resident companies employ over 6,000 persons.