The free trade component of the Association Agreement with the EU specifies import quotas for certain Moldovan products. They can be reviewed two times a year if Moldova proves that it can export more, officials responsible for the negotiation of the Association Agreement with the EU said in the meeting of the Parliament’s competent commission on February 25, IPN reports.

The Communist MPs asked questioning those who negotiate the Association Agreement as the document’s annexes stipulate that after the accord comes into force Moldova will be able to export only several tonnes of products to the EU duty-free.

Chief negotiator for the creation of the Free Trade Area, Deputy Minister of Economy Octavian Calmac said these quotas refer to packed products that can be put on sale in the EU immediately. No quotas are set for products that will be exported to be processed.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Iulian Groza said the Association Agreement includes an article providing that the set quotas can be reviewed once in six months and, if Moldova shows that it can export large quantities, they can be increased.

Iulian Groza informed that now the Moldovan authorities and Brussels offices are negotiating the last articles of the Association Agenda and will then start to work out the national program for implementing the agreement. Moldova will annually report on the implementation process to the European Commission, which, for its part, will compile thematic reports, based on which the size of the financial support provided to the country will be determined.

Over the next three years, Moldova will be able to attract about €100 million in financial support for implementing the Association Agreement.