The increase in the volume of trade is the most positive effect of the Moldova - EU Association Agreement signed two years ago. For Moldova to be able to become one of the top destinations for foreign investment, three things are important, namely a justice system that will work independently and transparently, elimination of corruption and the culture of the rule of law, which is a principle on which the authorities should insist, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe, quoted by IPN.
The ambassador said that so far the Association Agreement between Moldova and the European Union was implemented provisionally and certain conclusions can be drawn as a result of these two years. “I would start with the good things done in the period. The rise in the volume of trade between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova is the most positive effect of the agreement. The proportion of commercial exchanges between the EU and the Republic of Moldova is 64%,” he stated.
According to Pirkka Tapiola, even if the national economy didn’t increase significantly both for internal and external reasons, a positive evolution was seen in the commercial relations. This aspect is related to trade, but the Association Agreement is much broader and provides that the sides committed themselves to develop the relations based on political association and European integration.
The Head of the EU Delegation also said that the Association Agreement is ultimately a ‘roadmap’ whose goal is to bring Moldova closer to the European standards, in economic and phytosanitary matters and as regards fair competition in businesses. Firstly, these conditions facilitate trade between Moldova and the EU and, secondly, offer new opportunities and a favorable environment both for the Moldovan citizens and for the country.
The diplomat noted that the harmonization of the legislation started. There were adopted a series of laws and some of these are already implemented, but we will be able to speak about the success of the Association Agreement only when the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are able to enjoy its benefits.
