The more dynamic growth, of 11.9%, in exports in January – August, as against the 7% rise in imports,  resulted in a slightly better degree of covering imports with exports than in 2012. Last year, this degree was 41.5%, while this year it is 43.4 %, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar, commenting on the projected medium-term and macroeconomic indicators for this year, IPN reports.

“The balance of trade remained negative, but we see minor structural changes as regards the destination of exports. Besides the 9.8% increase in Moldova’s exports to the EU and the 4.8% rise in exports to the CIS, the exports to Turkey, China, Japan and other destinations in the period rose significantly, by 53%. This is a proof that the Moldovan exporters continue to diversify the export markets,” said Valeriu Lazar.

Moldova in the first eight months of this year exported different manufactured articles and food products. There were resumed the exports of sunflower oil and seeds that were stopped because of the drought of 2012 as well as of drinks and tobacco products and of machines and equipment produced mainly in the free economic zones. Imports into Moldova consisted chiefly of mineral fuels, lubricants and derivatives, machines and equipment that are not made in the country, chemical products, foods and others.

The exports in eight months came to US$1.53 billion, while imports to US$3.31 billion. The balance of trade was US$1.99 billion.