Customs duties will be put on the import of dairy products, meat and cement from Ukraine in the period until this yearend. A decision to this effect was approved by the Government, IPN reports.
The given measure is a temporary one and is aimed at protecting the domestic market from imports, in particular meat and dairy products from Ukraine as the supplies of these to Moldova rose by about 15% during the past few months. This fact was repeatedly signaled by national milk and meat processors. These have to work in conditions of disloyal competition as the fodder in the neighboring country is cheaper.
The draft decision was proposed by the Ministry of Economy, which intends to organize a meeting with Ukrainian experts to exchange opinions on the issue and identify solutions by the end of this month. Prime Minister Pavel Filip recommended the Ministry to have broad discussions with all the interested sides as the limitation of the import of these products could lead to a rise in their prices.
The norms of the World Trade Organization to which Moldova is a party allow taking measures to protect the home market, intended for a short period of time.
Representatives of agricultural producers recently reiterated their concern about the authorities’ lack of reaction to the larger imports of poultry and dairy products from Ukraine, saying the national producers are very seriously affected.
