Penza officials touring enterprises in southern Moldova

The governor of the Russian region of Penza, Vasili Bocikariov is on a fact-finding visit in Moldova. The visit agenda of the Russian officials includes a series of meetings with the country’s leadership, and filed trips to the Tvardita-based canning factory “VeFrutis”, and the “Tomai-Vinex” wine company, located in the Free Trade Zone of Tvardita. During the meeting with Vasili Bocikariov, Moldovan Ministry of Economy and Trade Igor Dodon said Moldova appreciates the decision of the Russian Federation to resume imports of meat and agrifood. The Russian governor communicated to the Moldovan authorities the interest of the entrepreneurs to borrow Moldova’s experience in processing fruits and vegetables, in cultivating seeds, as well as in the wine-making industry, including by setting up joint ventures. In addition, Vasili Bocikariov expressed his interest in resuming the activity of the Moldovan Chamber of Trade in Penza. During a meeting with PM Vasile Tarlev, the parties agreed to sign a plan of actions that would spur cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. In January-May 2007, exports of Moldovan goods to the Russian Federation stood at 73.7 million dollars, and imports at 197.6 million dollars.