Trans-Oil Group expanded the Grain Export Terminal at the Giurgiulesti International Free Port. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Octavian Calmac, in a ceremony held to celebrate the completion of the grain export terminal expansion project, said the grain terminal opens up new possibilities for Moldova’s grain exports and also offers considerable support to agricultural producers as these will be able to swifter and in much more advantageous conditions export products to regional and international markets, IPN reports.
“By this project, Trans-Oil Group has doubled the capacity of its Grain Export Terminal. This will contribute to making our products more competitive and accessible on international markets,” stated Octavian Calmac.
In this connection, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that in the near future, in parallel with the development of the port’s capacities, an investment project will be designed and implemented to develop the infrastructure of the port and adjoining area, especially of Giurgiulesti.
Trans-Oil Group president Vaja Jhashi said now the company is able to load more than 1,000 tons of grain per hour onto maritime vessels of up to 8,000 tons, as well as river barges – the fastest loading rate of any grain terminal in the region. “I’m sure that by this project we did a very good thing for the country, for developing it further. The situation changes now that the investments were increased and a modern terminal was opened. The Moldovan wines, grains and oils are exported from here to Spain, Italy, Northern Africa and other countries of the world,” he stated.
For his part, Head of the EBRD Office in Moldova Dimitri Gvindadze said the institution he represents is ready to support other investment projects implemented by the national authorities in cooperation with the development partners.
“This terminal offers Moldova one more opening to the international maritime transport. The farmers and businessmen of Moldova can export cheaper agricultural products directly from Moldova,” said U.S. Ambassador James Pettit. ”You will be able to sell agricultural products oversees or to import grains and other food products.”
The Giurgiulesti International Free Port is the only port of the Republic of Moldova located on the maritime section of the river Danube. The expansion project was financed by the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
