The first meeting of the EU-Moldova Association Council will take place in January. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman told Radio Moldova that the council will discuss the results and trends in the implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, IPN reports.
“The trend is positive. The exports of Moldovan farming products to the EU have increased. We have figures confirming that the exports of apples, grapes and wines have increased. We have begun to export grain and industrial products in advantageous conditions, which means that all our expectations have been met”, said Gherman.
She also noted that Moldova green-lighted the extension of autonomous trade preferences for Transnistrian companies until January 1, 2016. “Of course, in the meanwhile we'll search for common solutions to prepare the Transnistrian agriculture and industry for the application of the Free Trade Zone between Moldova and the EU”, explained the official.
According to Gherman, 70,000 citizens from the left side of the Nistru applied and received Moldovan biometric passports after Moldova obtained from the EU the liberalization of the visa regime. “I expect it will be same with businesses because the EU is involved actively in the implementation of the Association Agreement and of the Free Trade Zone”, she said.
Natalia Gherman added that 30% of the commerce of Transnistrian companies is done with EU partners and 38% with Moldovan businesses. Overall, 68% of the Transnistrian exports are oriented westwards.
