Poland imports the largest part of the Moldovan wine. It offers real support to Moldovan producers, invests in Moldova’s economy and is ready to continue with the project concerning preferential lending in agriculture in the Republic of Moldova, Poland’s Ambassador in Chisinau Bartłomiej Zdaniuk was quoted by IPN as saying in the talk show “People’s Council” on 10TV channel.
“Poland is the country that buys the largest part of the wine made in the Republic of Moldova and we are yet far from saturating the Polish market. Our market can be developed further and the exports of the people from the Republic of Moldova can be higher,” stated Bartłomiej Zdaniuk. According to him, those who want to export goods to the EU should meet particular conditions concerning certification and quality.
The ambassador also said that Poland each year initiates a number of projects to support businesspeople from the Republic of Moldova, especially small entrepreneurs working in agriculture, who manage to develop their firms and to reach another production level. “The people who benefitted from our assistance several years ago now say they are satisfied. They do not go abroad because they do not have reasons for this. They have prospects and have an income. So, it is possible, but this is achieved by work,” stated the Polish diplomat.
To attract more Polish investments, the Republic of Moldova should first of all ensure a credible framework. “If there are no conditions, attractiveness, stability and predictability, who will invest? These things should exist in the Republic of Moldova,” stated Bartłomiej Zdaniuk, adding juridical, geopolitical and financial predictability should be ensured first and foremost.
The ambassador noted that Poland made an important investment in Moldova’s sugar industry. A Polish state-run company purchased a sugar combine based in Edineț district. To modernize the combine, the Polish state spent about €20 million. “You should take care of the firms working in your country or no one will remain if you scare them,” he stated.
According to Bartłomiej Zdaniuk, Poland is ready to continue with the project to lend to farmers in Moldova. The project refers to the €100 million preferential loan that Poland was ready to provide for developing agriculture in Moldova. It was approved in 2012, but was implemented to a small extent only.
The diplomat noted that this loan wasn’t fully accessed because the conditions for using the money were changed at a certain moment without the Polish side having an influence on this decision. “We are fully ready to continue this cooperation, but the attitude of the other side should be probably a little more constructive. The money is in Warsaw and is waiting, but the decision should be taken in Chisinau,” stated Bartłomiej Zdaniuk.
The ambassador said the project can be resumed, but the sum could be lower. Moldova’s agricultural potential is great and Poland is one of the EU countries that can serve as an example in the field. “We didn’t get angry. On the contrary, we want to continue the cooperation,” he noted.
