A working group will be set up to consider the issues proposed by managers of transport associations who had an online meeting with Prime Minister Ion Chicu on July 29. The group will consist of representatives of carriers and of competent institutions. The first meeting will be held on August 18.

According to the Government’s press service, the representatives of the freight, passenger and taxi transport sectors invoked the disloyal competition and abuses committed by inspection bodies. They also referred to the cost of authorizations, refunding of excise duties, payment of taxes in advance and liberalization of the insurance market. Furthermore, the carriers asked to modify provisions of the normative and legislative documents so as to exclude the barriers that endanger and hamper their activity. Given that the pandemic crisis led to a decline of almost 50% in the activity of carriers during the past five months, they ask for financial support.

“I know that you represent one of the most affected sectors, but we must identify together solutions and tax concessions to reduce disloyal competition and illegal transport. As you are part of the category of companies struck by the pandemic, you can get back 60% of the paid salary taxes. Moreover, the state subsidizes the interest on loans,” stated Premier Chicu.

Contacted by IPN, Dumitru Albuleasa, manager of the International Association of Road Haulers of Moldova, voiced hope that the transport sector will be adjusted so that it could cope with the pandemic. Among the most serious difficulties, the manager mentioned the shortage of expert authorizations for Russia, the fact that entrance to Italy for freight is banned and the low demand for transportation on the part of goods producers.