Moldova updates naval transportation legislation

An updated version of the Law on Inland Naval Transportation that reflects the provisions of Moldova's relevant bilateral agreements with Ukraine and Romanian has been approved by the Government. Under the new law, the rivers Prut and Nistru have the status of cross-border rivers. Transport Minister Anatol Salaru said the update was needed because the older provisions were developed back in 1955. He added that the European Agreement on Main Inland Waterways of International Importance (AGN) provides for the adoption of a coprehensive plan for the development of naval infrastructure, and Moldova should comply with these requirements as Moldova's inland waterways are classified by the AGN as having international importance. Minister Salaru went on to add that developing naval transportation is highly important considering that this mode is 6 times cheaper than road transportation and 2 times less expensive than railroad transportation. A ceremony to restart ship traffic on the Prut River will take place on Saturday, June 23, and will be attended by Prime Minister Vlad Filat.