President solicited a detailed analysis of the consequences for Moldova of Romania’s adherence to the EU

President of the Republic of Moldova, Vladimir Voronin solicits a profound analysis in what concerns the consequences of Romania’s adherence to the European Union for the consumption market of the R. of Moldova as well as of their influence on the macroeconomic situation. According to a press-release from the Presidency, the head of state convoked into a working session decision- makers from ministries and state structures specialized in economy and finances in order to discuss potential consequences the R. Moldova could confront with after the adherence of Romania to the EU, on January 1, 2007. During the session, a particular attention was accorded to the 2007 period, in which R. Moldova will negotiate an agreement concerning the asymmetric trade with the EU. Romania is one of the main trade partners of the R. of Moldova and holds about 11% of its external trade. Commercial exchanges with Romania reached, in 2005, the sum of USD 369 mln, of which the exports constituted of USD 117.7 mln and the imports – USD 257.4 mln. In the January-august period, the Moldova’s exports to Romania summed up USD 90.8 mln, which represents an increase of 25.2%. Starting from January 1, 2007, commercial exchanges between RM and Romania will be effectuated on general principles, after the termination of the free trade agreement. Custom taxes will be applied at import to RM, and for export commercial preferences obtained from EU will be applied. The European Commission will have the competence of according commercial preferences concerning the access to the market. Analyses prove that 52% from the imports at present from Romania will be subject to customs taxes at the import. This fact will influence commercial flow of goods from Romania and their competitiveness on the RM market. Starting on January 1, 2007, citizens of the R. of Moldova will need visas in order to visit Romania.