Moldova to present first report on liberalization of trade with EU Mar. 15

Moldova on March 15 is to render the first report on the implementation of the plan of action for creating the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, Deputy Minister of Economy Octavian Calmac announced in a news conference, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. The official said that teams of negotiators are being set up. There were agreed the topics for discussion with the governmental institutions involved and the business community and civil society, and a number of other related issues like intellectual property, competition, and public procurement. “We aim to communicate with businesspeople and civil society so that they know the advantages and impact of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU,” Octavian Calmac said. He also said that the talks may last for a year or more. A transition period will be negotiated for the Moldovan economic entities that will be unable to immediately compete with the EU companies, like the exporters of agricultural products. According to Octavian Calmac, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU will stimulate the investors to implement more projects in Moldova. The deputy minister stated that the European Commission will soon approve increased quotas on the export of wine products to the EU, which is Moldova's main export partner. The EU countries import 47.2% of Moldova's exports. Last year Moldova exported to the EU products to the value of US$746 million, an increase of 11.7% compared with 2009.