The fact that Moldova climbed from the 83rd to the 78th place in Doing Business 2014 is a good signal, but there is yet a lot of work to be done for the country to become really attractive for investors, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar, IPN reports.

The official reminded that at the end of September, the Government approved a roadmap for eliminating the constraints to businesses. It includes measures to improve tax and customs administration and the companies’ access to financing and unbiased justice and to combat corruption.

“Not much time has passed since then, but many institutions remain unreceptive. They didn’t understand that their role is to serve the people and the companies. However, many of them cooperate with the businesses and started to issue licenses and authorizations through the one-stop office. I’m glad that the attitude of important services, like for example the Customs Service, changed. We will continue to work in this direction,” said the Deputy Prime Minister, adding that Moldova does not have natural resources as other countries, but can attract investors if appropriate work conditions are created for them.

According to the Doing Business rankings, in 2005-2013 Moldova implemented 21 reforms that contributed to the improvement of the business climate. There were simplified the procedures for registering and reregistering companies. The electronic systems were improved. There was opened a credit ratings office.

In Doing Business 2014, Moldova outstripped such countries as Albania, Croatia, Russia, and China. Georgia has the best position in the rankings among the ex-Soviet states. Russia is the 92nd, Ukraine the 12th, while Romania the 73rd.