Trading around farmers’ markets goes on

The national agricultural products sold around the Central Market in Chisinau were replaced by citrus fruit and other imported products. Though the farmers’ markets are officially over, trading outside the markets goes on. The issue was discussed in the December 5 meeting of Chisinau City Hall officials, Info-Prim Neo reports. Two-three more markets are created near a market, said deputy mayor Mihai Furtuna, stressing it happens not only at the Central Market. The markets provide the necessary number of selling places, but the sellers continue trading illegally outside markets, especially in central Chisinau. The vendors who have authorizations for selling soft drinks along Stefan cel Mare Blvd., also sell socks, said the deputy mayor. Vladimir Nirca, the head of the General Trade, Public Food and Services Division, said about 18,000 selling places are available at the over 40 municipal markets, but only approximately15,000 of them are occupied. Those who sell on the street must be persuaded to go and sell at the market. Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca instructed setting up joint commissions consisting of police officers and representatives of public health and trade divisions that would daily inspect the markets, especially the Central Market, and convince the vendors to sell at the market. According to the municipal police, about 100 reports were drawn up last week over unauthorized trading. The agricultural producers were able to trade outside markets – at stalls or directly from trucks – in June-November.