European integration is best strategic option for Moldova, report

The European integration is the best strategic option for Moldova in achieving its development goals. Such a conclusion was reached by the authors of the 2012 National Human Development Report that was themed “European Aspirations and Human Development of the Republic of Moldova”, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to report,that despite improvements in indicators in the last two decades, Moldova should aim to reduce the significant development gap, to reach the level of the least developed member states which joined the EU in 2000. The analysis reveals that Moldova needs to change its economic growth model based on migrant remittances and consumption. An assessment of the economic and commercial impact of closer economic integration with the EU, presented in the report, reveals that some economic models will have a positive economic effect. In order to benefit from EU’s economic opening, the country has to ensure a skilled, flexible and competent workforce and a business environment that would foster increased investment and sector diversification of these investments. The assessment on the impact of visa regime liberalization between Moldova and the European Union reveals the benefits for the country, intensifying contacts between individuals and businesses and recovering the damaged social links between those who work abroad and those left behind. Prime Minister Vlad Filat, who took part in the presentation of the study, said that it is not only an analysis of the situation in Moldova, but also a set of recommendations for the European integration process and for improving the socioeconomic situation in the country. The Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Dirk Schuebel expressed his conviction that the European integration process will positively influence the socioeconomic development of Moldova. The liberalization of trade with the EU will open new markets, will improve the quality of the products and services and will contribute to higher salaries and to the creation of more workplaces. The liberalization of the visa regime will result in economic and cultural development and in the resolution of the Transnistrian dispute. The 2012 National Human Development Report, commissioned by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Moldova, was developed by the Independent Analytical Center “Expert-Grup”.