U.S. businessmen approve of business climate in Moldova

The U.S. is the third largest investor in Moldova’s economy and it will continue to support the democratic reforms and economic development of the country, U.S. Ambassador in Chisinau Asif Chaudhry said in the seminar “ Business with the U.S.: advice for entrepreneurs” on May 11, Info-Prim Neo reports. The diplomat confirmed that his country will provide support in all the areas of cooperation, including training programs. Two of the programs– SABIT and Cochran - were launched during the seminar. They are designed to train and improve the professional skills of the specialists working in agriculture, information technology, trade and other important sectors of the Moldovan economy. Prime Minister Vlad Filat said that after the difficult year 2009, which was marked by the world economic crisis, the Moldovan – U.S. commercial relations developed significantly last year. This trend continues this year as well. “Moldova’s key objectives are to make progress on the path to European integration and to become a regional leader in economic reform implementation so as to attract foreign investors,” said the Premier. The seminar participants discussed the business opportunities in Moldova, related success stories and provided information about the U.S. specialized government programs intended for businessmen, including Moldovan. John Maxemchuk, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova, said it is normal for different U.S. institutions and companies to suggest new cooperation mechanisms or extend those launched earlier as Moldova’s economy is under reformation, while the reforms create possibilities of attracting new investments and implementing new projects. According to John Maxemchuk, the direct U.S. investment in Moldova increased significantly. He gave as example the company Coca-Cola, which is to launch a new bottling line and open a high-capacity storehouse in Chisinau at the end of this month. Vaja Jhashi, president of the company Trans-Oil, approved of the business climate in Moldova, saying Trans-Oil intends to expand its business in Moldova’s agriculture. “We now make vegetal oil. We rented 15 hectares of farmland and grow sunflower. We also purchase raw material from Moldovan farmers. We plan to start bottling oil in glass bottles. We have businesses in the Giurgiulesti Free International Port. Our extension means opportunities for the Moldovan companies and population as there will be created new workplaces. The conditions provided for investors can be better, but those who really want can work profitably in Moldova,” said Vaja Jhashi. The seminar “Business with the U.S.: advice for entrepreneurs” was organized by the U.S. Embassy and the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova.