The internal market of Moldova must be protected from different imports, especially agrifood products, while the local producers must be prompted inside the country too, not only outside it, considers economic expert Viorel Chiviriga. He has told IPN that the Moldovan authorities should analyze the possibility of imposing similar taxes on Russian products.
The expert said that any measure to protect the home market must be in accordance with he rules of the World Trade Organization. “There are several instruments that can be used to bring things on the domestic market in order. It’s absurd to find agrifood products imported from Russia and other states, mainly dairy products, canned fruit and juices, on shelves in stores at a time when we make such products ourselves. We must examine the imported products to see if they meet the sanitary norms,” stated Viorel Chivriga.
The imports of agrifood products can be limited through nationwide campaigns that can be launched by private individuals and continued by the people. The Moldovan producers must be promoted inside the country too as it’s absurd to promote them outside at a time when they are not known in the country. “This also refers to winemakers and the processing industry as well as to the furniture and chemical industries,” said the expert.
As to Russia’s bans, Viorel Chivriga said there is no need to cause panic as the situation is not as desperate as it may seem. “The greatest tension will exist during a month and a half when we have easily decaying products. But we will cope. We will store the rest of the harvest so that it is processed and consumed in the country. This bans are a lesson for the local producers,” he stated.
Viorel Chivirga added that even if Russia imposes customs duties, products will anyway be exported. “These taxes will slightly affect the competitiveness of the Moldovan products. We must analyze the products to see which of them do not meet the sanitary norms and to prevent them from entering our market. We must also consider the trade relations with Russia. If one of the sides violated the agreements and if the international norms allow it, Moldova should introduce customs duties on the similar products from Russia,” he stated.
In the middle of July, Russia banned the import of fresh and canned fruit from Moldova. On September 1, customs duties will be levied on the import of other Moldovan products. It is estimated that if Moldova limits the access of Russian alcoholic and dairy products, a niche of about US$60 million will be freed for the national products.
