„Gazprom” interested in investment offers in energetic infrastructure proposed by Moldova – Russian official

The Russian “Gazprom” Group wants to invest in the energetic infrastructure of Moldova, a spokesman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared, cited by Info-Prim Neo. According to the source, “Gazprom” intends to launch several projects referring to investments in the energetic filed of Moldova, without giving any details. Solicited to comment upon these declarations, Vladimir Cravcenco, counselor of the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure from Chisinau declared that his not officially informed about the intention of “Gazprom”. At the same time, the Moldovan official welcomes the decision of the Russian Concern, which owns 51% of the stock of JSC “Moldova Gaz”. “Gazprom” increased in July the price of natural gas delivered to Moldova up to USD 160 per cubic meter. In January-July 2006, the bilateral Moldovan-Russian trade diminished because of the bans imposed to the Moldovan wine production. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first semester of 2006 the volume of exports to Russia has reduced by 30%. However, Russia continues to be the main commercial partner of Moldova. At present, 400 companies with Russian capital are registered in Moldova.