Diversification of exports is the first and one of the most important results that will be achieved after the signing of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU, which is part of the Association Agreement, Deputy Minister of Economy Octavian Calmac said on the public station Radio Moldova. “The upward trends in exports seen this year are the best relevant example. In the wake of the regional crisis, Moldova’s exports to the EU grew by over 25%,” said the official, quoted by IPN.

Octavian Calmac noted that the accord enables the Moldovan businessmen to supply goods to a market governed by clear rules. It is a free and functional market that is much less affected by the political element than the eastern market. But the Moldovan companies must supply competitive products both on the EU market and on the home market. “We must prove that we are better than others and will then be able to make use of the new opportunities,” said the deputy minister.

He also said that a new customs code and a new tax code with clear procedures for the business community are to be adopted the coming years. The involvement of the state in the operational activity of companies must be reduced. The trade barriers must be removed and the product certification system must be improved. “These are the requirements of the free trade regime with the EU. If we work, not only the economic entities will benefit from it, but also the consumers, who will have access to varied products of a high quality and will be able to choose,” stated Octavian Calmac.

Chairwoman of the Association of Employers of the Light Industry Alexandra Can said the economic entities working in the light industry are not afraid of the new economic regime with the EU. “We showed that our products are competitive on the EU market. Over 20% of Moldova’s exports to the EU represent products of the light industry. We will enjoy advantages immediately after the new economic regime starts to be applied. The raw material we need for production is imported from EU member states and we will no longer pay import taxes on these goods. We hope the costs of our products will decrease by 4% on average. This is a lot and this means that the goods will be more competitive by price,” stated Alexandra Can.

She noted that some of the companies that do not have production capacities will disappear. But new businesses will appear. The managers of these companies must realize that association is needed. There are European models that can and should be implemented in our country.