The Moldovan and Romanian Chambers of Industry and Commerce signed a collaboration agreement during a businessmen’s meeting as part of the 2010 Moldova Business Week, Info-Prim Neo reports. “CIC of Moldova signed cooperation accords with 12 local commerce chambers from Romania. Our branches sealed 17 accords with district CICs. We are currently developing many common projects and we participate in common fairs and exhibitions. The new agreement will enhance the partnership between our chambers and will help us support economic agents to develop businesses and expand on new markets”, the CIC of Moldova president Gheorghe Cucu said. His Romanian opposite number Mihail Vlasov mentioned the next step would be opening a branch of the Romanian CIC in Chisinau, as proposed by acting Moldovan President Mihai Ghimpu during his visit in Bucharest. Vlasov said this office would be opened as soon as a proper headquarters was found. Maria Parcalabescu, State Secretary of the Romanian Ministry of Economy, said the amount of trade between the 2 states decreased from a record 1.2 billions $ in 2008 down to $700 million in 2009. Nonetheless, she stressed in 2010 things got back to normal as figures increased by 22%. Besides, Moldova is Romania’s 6th non-EU export partner and the 17th non-EU import partner. However, Maria Parcalabescu was sure Moldova could rise in Romania’s commercial balance. On the other hand, she said Romania’s share in Moldova’s foreign investments was too low- $68 million and that the Government would encourage Romanian businessmen to develop their businesses in Moldova. Mihai Daraban, head of CIC Constanta, said his delegation is particularly interested in Giurgiulesti port project and the investment opportunities it could offer. Representatives of 40 Romanian companies participated in the meeting of businessmen from Moldova and Romania. Mihai Ghimpu, interim Moldovan President, assured them the Government would do its utmost to support their initiatives and partnerships.