The Customs Service will build a modern lab for verifying products imported into Moldova, while another two mobile labs will be purchased within a project to improve crossborder cooperation between Moldova and Romania that was launched in Chisinau on April 29, IPN reports.

“Until now, we had to use the services of laboratories from other states. This is a long-term procedure and the results came late. Owing to this project, we will have the equipment needed to check the goods ourselves,” Customs Service head Tudor Balitski told a news conference.

Attending the event, Ambassador Dirk Schuebel, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, said the budget of the project is almost €3.5 million. The grant of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument is over €3 million, while Moldova contributes €€343,000.

“The project will be implemented during 24 months. The principal objective is to modernize management at the border crossing points between Moldova and Romania. Another objective is to ensure closer cooperation between the customs officers of the two countries. Three mobile laboratories will be bought within the project. Two will be offered to Moldova, while one to Romania,” said Dirk Schuebel.

Acting Deputy Minister of Finance Victor Barbaneagra said the laboratories obtained within this project will be the most modern in the region. “Until now we asked help from the neighbors, but now they will come to us for examinations,” he stated.

The lab that will be built will be the most modern for the examination of oil and food products. Besides testing equipment, it will have halls for storing chemical substances and waste.