Introduction of new regime for transit of goods is alternative of shadow business and smuggling

The implementation of the December 30, 2005 joint declaration of the Moldovan and Ukrainian premiers creates the possibility for a legal and transparent functioning of enterprises based on the left bank of the Dniester river as an alternative of shadow business and smuggling and this is not an economic blockade, according to a commentary of the Reintegration Ministry delivered to Info-Prim Neo. The ministry also denies the allegations about the „economic blockade” saying that Moldovans reside this region besides Russians and Ukrainians. „All residents of Transnitria are our citizens for us, regardless of their nationality, and neither Moldova, nor Ukraine will allow any actions that could be called blockade against them.” According to the document, 460 kilometres of border between Ukraine and Moldova have lacked a normal, internationally recognised control for many years, while Transnistria has opposed legal economic activities on wide scale. The European Union’s Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine, the government decision on export-import operations, declaration of the two prime ministers represent the first step aimed to normalise the situation. The second stage - the implementation of this declaration – was transparent and open and both representatives of Moldova, Ukraine, E.U. and Transnistrian economic agents participated. The measures of the Transnistrian region aimed to ban the registration of enterprises and customs documents in line with Moldova’s requirements represent a blockade and self-isolation. The self-isolation policy harms both Transnistria-based enterprises, and economy in the entire region and notably this „slavery” policy should be condemned,” the ministry added. The new conditions for exportation of Transnistrian goods at the Moldovan-Ukrainian border on basis of the Moldovan customs stamps only took effect on March 3. The administration of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian republic has banned the introduction of goods made on the left bank of the Dniester river in the territory of the breakaway enclave immediately after enforcement of the new rules.