The Party “Dignity and Truth Platform” (PPPDA) formulated a legislative proposal by which the national producers are given priority in the government procurement of agrifood products. This provides that the bids must not exceed the lowest price by more than 10%, IPN reports.

“The amendment is justifiable. I remind you how many scandals and cases we witnessed with spoiled products, poisoning in kindergartens and schools. Regrettably, I must ascertain that the products that were in the epicenter of scandals weren’t of national origin. That’s why this initiative is important from all angles,” PPPDA vice president Alexandru Slusari told a news conference.

Under the same bill, if several national companies bid at public procurement contests, priority will be given to a small or a medium-sized enterprise whose bid will not exceed the smallest price by more than 10%. Alexandru Slusari said 99% of the enterprises in Moldova form part of the category of SMEs and over 50% of all the employees work for these. Regrettably, the SMEs account for less than 40% of sales in Moldova.

The legislative proposal is to be registered with the Parliament’s Secretariat on February 17.