The effects of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) on national producers two years after its implementation were analyzed by the independent think tank “Expert-Grup”, which launched a study with the most relevant data about Moldova’s exports to the EU, IPN reports.
In 2016, Moldova’s exports saw an upward trend. Romania remained the most important trading partner of Moldova, followed by Italy and Germany.
“Expert-Grup” executive director Adrian Lupusor said the impact of the DCFTA witnessed so far is not univocal. There are tendencies that gladden and others that cause concern and there are signals for the authorities to stimulate reforms and reduce the side effects of the liberalization of trade with the EU.
According to the study, there are now deficiencies as regards the export of products of animal origin from Moldova. The export quotas for the products with greater export potential should be renegotiated.
Octavian Berzan, Head of the European Economic Policy and DCFTA Coordination Division of the Ministry of Economy, said the authorities intend to negotiate higher export quotas for grains and ethyl alcohol with the European side as these are used during the first two-three months of the year.
Urszula Pałłasz, Head of the Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Moldova, said that through the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, the EU’s relations with Moldova develop in a new way, centered on the political association and economic integration. The EU wants Moldova to be a resistant country and this can be achieved by strengthening cooperation between the state institutions. In this regard, the state apparatus should be reformed.
