The economic entities of Moldova will benefit from consultancy about the free trade with the European Union within a project launched by the Chamber of Trade and Industry with the support of the European Business Association, IPN reports.
According to the Chamber’s head Gheorghe Cucu, it is not so easy to penetrate the European market as it seems, while the context created by the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) is not well known by companies. During seven months, there will be set up a system of permanent consultancy services through which the entrepreneurs, especially the representatives of small businesses, will be familiarized with practical aspects of the accord’s provisions.
“In order to achieve this objective, we launched a hotline. There will be also organized practice and information seminars and other activities for companies from different sectors of the national economy,” said Gheorghe Cucu.
Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola said the EU believes not in miracles, but in deeds, in people and in their wish to build there own future. “The signed agreements created a new cooperation framework. It already depends on the economic entities, the people and the Government of Moldova if these opportunities are taken,” he stated.
Swedish Ambassador to Moldova Ingrid Tersman assured that the Government of Sweden will provide full support to Moldova. “You must know that you have trustworthy partners in the implementation of the DCFTA, which is an instrument for modernizing Moldova. This is the first information campaign that covers all the companies from Moldova,” said the diplomat.
European Business Association president Silvia Radu said the companies taking part in the project will be able to learn from European practice and to find business partners. For his part, Eugen Osmochescu, of the International Finance Corporation, underlined the necessity of implementing European reforms so as to create a safe and attractive business environment for investors.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, exports of goods to the EU in January-March this year came to US$318.8 million, up 22.5% on the corresponding period last year. They represented 55.6% of the total exports, as against 44.1% in the first three months of 2013. Imports from the EU totaled US$549.1 million, an increase of 6.9% on January-March 2013. They accounted for 45.1% of the total imports, as opposed to 41.3% a year before.
