Moldovan manufacturers will have to sweat blood to survive competition in Europe, Cesare de Montis

In Europe, Moldovan goods will have to face a tough competition from the ones that have been sold there for years, and this is a difficult task for the Moldovan manufacturers, Cesare de Montis, head of European Commission’s Delegation to Moldova, told today a forum themed “Agribusiness in Moldova: Propeller of Economic Growth”. According to the European official, even if Moldova gets additional autonomous trade preferences, there is no other way to penetrate the EU market but to accept a fair quality and price competition. Naming several priorities that, in his view, could help Moldova gain a better position in the competition, Cesare de Montis mentioned first of all the quality of goods. European consumers can pay high prices on condition that the quality is corresponding. Price is also an important factor, because Europe is able to get any good for the best price, Cesare de Montis specified, bringing the example of the Chilean wine, which is imported for 25 eurocent/litre. To compete with these wines Moldova has to cut production costs to the bone, by optimising the agribusiness entirely, from farming to producing. To make it possible, there are needed significant efforts and huge investment. Because Europeans prefer popular brands, Cesare de Montis suggested that Moldova should promote its goods as efficient as possible. The European official further stated that agriculture is today fundamental to Moldova, and the situation will not change in the foreseeable future. This is why sustained efforts are needed to improve efficiency and production in this sector. The access to the 500 million consumer market of the EU is a fantastic opportunity for Moldova. Following the latest EU enlargement wave, we share a common border, so this is a chance you shouldn’t miss, Cesare de Montis concluded.