The Moldova producers consider the Russian market an alternative one, not a main one, Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Octavian Calmac stated in the program “Emphasis on today” on TVR Moldova channel, IPN reports.

The minister said the Republic of Moldova wants to restore the relations with the Russian Federation because this market should not be ignored. “Regrettably, the discussions held by President Igor Dodon in 2016 and 2017 do not produce results. We hope that this year we will yet witness some improvements. We hope the customs duties that go against the Free Trade Agreement with the CIS will be annulled,” stated Octavian Calmac.

The minister noted he banks on the fact that the exports to China will increase in the future given that the growth rate the last few years was of 50% a year. “During the next few years, we expect the exports to China to rise and strengthen following negotiations. We also expect a free trade agreement to be signed with China,” he said.

Programs director at the independent think tank “Expert Grup” Dumitru Budeanski said Moldova’s exports to the European Union, which now constitute about 65%, can be boosted by enhancing the competitiveness of Moldovan producers. “The production basis should be modified in accordance with the EU market requirements,” stated the expert.