Romanian investors urged to come to Moldova

Moldovan and Romanian officials Friday discussed the investment opportunities in Moldova at the Chamber of Trade of Romania. Acting President Marian Lupu said that though Moldova has a small economy, its market provides more advantages owing to the free trade agreements signed with partners from the West and the East, Info-Prim Neo’s correspondent in Bucharest reports. Marian Lupu stressed that Moldova is a member of the World Trade Organization, signed the set of required documents within the Central European Free Trade Agreement and forms part of the Free Trade Area of the Commonwealth of Independent States. He told the Romanian businessmen that in mid May Moldova is to obtain the European Commission’s consent to opening the official negotiations on creating a Free Trade Area with the EU. “All the investors in Moldova are treated equally and are not discriminated. We will continue to take steps to liberalize the economy and diminish the pressure on businesses,” said Marian Lupu. Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar presented an extensive report on the results achieved by Moldova in dealing with the economic crisis and in creating a favorable legal and investment framework. He spoke about the VAT exemptions and the possibility of selling products with Moldova’s certificates of origin, without paying customs duties. Valeriu Lazar said the GDP growth last year was 6.9% and, according to the assessments of the IMF mission, Moldova ranks third by the economic results achieved in 2010. Mihail Vlasov, chairman of the Chamber of Trade of Romania, said the Romanian investors should explore the Moldovan market more. He stated that thee are about 2,500 joint companies set up by Moldovans and Romanians, but this figure should rise. “In Moldova I can find opportunities that are not present in Romania. I will inquire about these opportunities as they are extraordinary. This is only the beginning. We believe that the opportunities for investing in Moldova’s economy can help Moldova as well as Romania overcome the crisis,” said Mihai Vlasov.