Export of Moldovan products to Russia was privatized by Igor Dodon, PPPDA

16.01.2020 12:25
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2 minute(s)

The Party “Dignity and Truth Platform” said the export of Moldovan products to the Russian Federation was privatized by President Igor Dodon for evil purposes and is exploited by this to the detriment of producers. In a news conference, the leader of the PPPDA Andrei Năstase stated the party he heads is concerned about the given situation and the lack of transparency in this regard, IPN reports.

Andrei Năstase related that during a visit paid by Moldovan MPs to Moscow in 2019, Deputy Parliament Speaker Alexandru Slusari raised the modification of the list of Moldovan exporters and its extension by including producers with multiannual plantations. Later, after representatives of Russia’s food safety watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor visited Moldova, the National Food Safety Agency in September sent to Russia the updated list of fruit exporters that was extended from 130 to 500 companies.

According to the politician, the approval of the updated list of exporters was delayed in Russia and there is information that this was done after Igor Dodon interfered, invoking political arguments. Moreover, after the Government was replaced, the procedure of updating the list became fully non-transparent.

“From trustworthy sources, we know that the minister of agriculture, regional development and environment intervened, inadmissibly abusing his authority. Consequently, another list of exporters that was compiled in an obscure way and that wasn’t consulted with farmers’ associations was sent to the Russian Federation,” stated Andrei Năstase.

The PPPDA seeks explanations from agriculture minister Ion Perju and the National Food Safety Agency on the issue and insists on not allowing modifying the list of exporters without consulting the associations of producers. It demands to immediately adopt the extended list of companies that can export fruit to Russia or will seek the resignation of Ion Perju.

Andrei Năstase said the situation is now favorable for exports owing to the reduction of the VAT on the agricultural products imported into Russia from 20% to 10%.