“The proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry to increase customs duties on imported meat, and endorsed by the government, announces an essential change in the taxation policy – from combating monopolies to trade protectionism” thinks Alex Oprunenco, expert with the Expert-Grup Analytical Center. “This project makes the impression that nobody cares about what the consumers think, nobody cares about the costs that they will have to pay”, said the expert at a roundtable meeting, adding that the decision also contradicts Moldova’s WTO commitments. “This decision does not eliminate monopolies, does not enhance the competitiveness of the sector, but just stimulates protectionism requests from other sectors. Such requests have already been voiced by the producers of building materials”, added Alex Oprunenco. The decision to raise the customs duties on imported meat by 45 per cent still needs the Parliament’s endorsement to enter into effect.