The economic statistics concerning the first half of 2017 paint the same disproportionate picture as in previous years, according to historian Gheorghe Cojocaru. During an interview for Radio Free Europe, he explained that Moldova remains dependent on imports, which are twice higher than the volume of exports, IPN reports.

Gheorghe Cojocaru notes that 50% of Moldovan imports come from EU member states, while only 25% come from CIS countries. Nonetheless, Moldova’s trade balance remains negative in relation to both groups.

“According to statistics, Romania is by far Moldova’s most important economic partner, followed by Russia, Ukraine, Germany and Italy. These are the top five trade partners of our country. As regards exports, the Romanian market tops the charts again”, said Cojocaru.

Concerning the economy of the separatist region across the Nistru, the expert thinks it has the same imbalances as the national economy as a whole. About 60% of Transnistrian goods are sold on the right bank of the Nistru, but Moldovan ‘imports’ account for only 7%. Russia is the source of 60% of Transnistrian ‘imports’. Meanwhile, the Romanian market absorbs 15% of the region’s production, Russia 8% and Ukraine 6%. The Transnistrian economy is in a deep crisis and its only source of profit is selling energy to the right bank, explained Cojocaru.

According to him, connecting Moldova to the Western economic area is yet to cause major changes in the local social mentality. The left bank seems entrenched in the prison of post-Soviet mentality. The historian thinks that, irrational as it may seem, Moldovan society seems complacent in its position as a bad student when it comes to economic lessons and prefers to feed on illusions and false promises.