Prices may go up in first half of 2013, expert

There are great risks that the food prices will go up during the next few months despite authorities’ promises that the situation will be stable, economic expert Viorel Chivriga stated for Info-Prim Neo. “The people slaughtered many of the domestic animals and the meat and milk prices may go up. But we have an economic system that is integrated into the regional one and import animal products that have always existed,” said the expert, who believes that the population can be provided with the necessary agrifood products by imports. Viorel Chivriga stated that the bread prices at private companies have increased. The state-run companies haven’t raised them yet, but if grain prices go up at an accelerated pace in the region, Moldova will also feel the effects. Foreign economic analysts said the lending European states, such as Germany, will control the investments and assistance provided in 2013 and Moldova may be directly affected by this. “They spoke a lot about the financial support offered by the EU, but we should regard it as a confidence credit that must contribute to achieving final results,” said Viorel Chivriga. He also said that the authorities often stressed the necessity of optimizing the public institutions, but there appeared ministries, offices and embassies whose final results are not taken into account. “It is a string of problems that must be solved in 2013 and the authorities should take account of the adopted policies,” stated Viorel Chivriga.