Moldova will open its Embassy in Japan, as agreed today in a meeting between acting Prime Minister Iurie Leanca and Shigeki Sumi, the freshly-appointed Japan's Ambassador for Moldova with residence in Kyiv, IPN reports.

The Moldovan Government announced in a press release the Embassy will be inaugurated in the spring of 2015. Iurie Leanca said that it will help to strengthen and expand political, cultural and economic relations between Chisinau and Tokio.

Iurie Leanca also highlighted the need to boost bilateral trade and stimulate the attraction of Japanese investment into the Moldovan economy.

Ambassador Shigeki Sumi for his part pledged to contribute to strengthening the relationship between Chisinau and Tokio across all areas, and talked about the opportunities for promoting Moldovan wine on the Japanese market, with some brands being already sold there.

According to the latest statistics, in January-September 2014, Moldova's imports from Japan stood at $22.8 million and exports were estimated at $0.29 million. As of 1 July 2014, Japan has offered, including through its International Cooperation Agency JICA, a total of $92.8 million in non-reimbursable financial aid to Moldova.