Republic of Moldova and Russian Federation identify new solutions for economic development
The bilateral cooperation perspectives and the creation of favorable conditions for the development of bilateral business and trade were the main topics at the Moldovan-Russian Forum for Economic Cooperation, which took place on October 1, 2020 in Chisinau.
The event presented investment opportunities aimed at increasing export capacity,, benefits of the activity in economic areas and industrial parks, attracting technologies, agricultural hubs, etc. The forum took place in conference mode simultaneously in the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation studios. The forum was attended by officials from the two states, representatives of regional administrations, associations, business unions, but also businessmen interested in cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation.
The event evaluated the results of the main cooperation agreements signed by the two countries, and the need to identify common solutions for developing cooperation in strategic sectors, such as economic, agro-industrial, tourism, energy, given that the Russian Federation is among the top ten countries in which our country exports products. The Government of the Republic of Moldova has reiterated its support for the implementation of a number of intergovernmental projects, which aim to ensure social and economic stability balance.
Ion Chicu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova: “The Russian Federation is a very important partner for our country. With joint efforts, taking into account the collaboration potential in agriculture, tourism, industry, both countries have very good prospects to develop cooperation and to restore economic and trade relations. Due to exports to the Russian Federation, by developing special projects to expand infrastructure and innovation, the Republic of Moldova improves business climate. Free economic zones and industrial parks are very attractive for both countries and allow further development of the economy. "
During the forum, the director of the Investment Agency, Rodica Verbeniuc, spoke about the investment climate of the Republic of Moldova, about the experience of interaction and support provided by the Agency in facilitating and developing Moldovan-Russian trade cooperation, given that our country has a set of strengths to arouse the interest of foreign entrepreneurs.
Rodica Verbeniuc, director, Investment Agency: “We turned the restrictions of the pandemic into opportunities, taking over the online platforms as promotion tools with a higher visibility than our physical format allowed. One of the long-term effects of the pandemic is the general economic restructuring, and the crisis is driving the business to reconsider production markets, to seek alternative exports opportunities and to diversify products and services. Moldova has all it takes to be attractive to investors and the Agency contributes to the repositioning of the country on the global economic map as an unexplored opportunities destination. The results of our activity resulted in the launch of 3 new investment projects - from Germany in the automotive sector, from Great Britain in the electronics sector, and from the Russian Federation in the production of thermal insulation materials for constructions. The cumulative value of announced investments rises to 30 million euros. In fact, the Moldovan-Russian Economic Cooperation Forum, organized today, will certainly strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation and will facilitate investment and export opportunities between these two countries. "
An increased interest was given to the AgroHub Moldova project, the first agro-industrial hub in the Republic of Moldova, designed to become the largest center for the development of trade relations in Moldova and the Russian Federation. Among the basic project objectives are the creation of an infrastructure with all the necessary services to offer farmers the opportunity to export products abroad, ensuring high quality, information support, and also facilitating phytosanitary control procedures.
Dmitry Patrushev, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation: “For many years, close relations between economic development, science, culture, agriculture, tourism have emerged between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation. We aim to reform these bilateral relations, offering business representatives the opportunity to sign collaboration and partnership contracts, and also the development of the business climate, the initiation of scientific investment projects. The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation supports farmers in the Republic of Moldova and will continue to offer them a market to increase the volume of exported products. "
Another topic was the Eurasian Economic Union development perspective and the creation of favorable conditions for the trade expansion between the Member States of the Union, given that the Republic of Moldova has observer status within the organization, direct access to databases with information on integration opportunities.
Sergei Glaziev, Member of the College of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC): “The collaboration with the Republic of Moldova began in 2017, when we signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The crisis caused by the global pandemic has reduced the amount of traded goods and the development of economic cooperation between CIS member countries, but we are working to maintain and develop this strategic partnership. At this time, we should think and implement long-term collaborative projects, set priorities to drive economic growth, taking into account information technology, bioengineering - which is at the top of developing industries. In order to work well together, we aim to reduce certain barriers, remove various restrictions and regulate mutual partnership principles. "
On October 2, 2020, the Moldovan-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation will meet in a new meeting, which will evaluate the results of the Forum and analyze the next steps to develop economic cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the Russian Federation.