More Moldovan agricultural goods will reach the British market without tariff quotas for another five years, under an amendment protocol signed today that extends the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement between Moldova and the United Kingdom.
The protocol provides for the extension of the liberalization of trade with Moldova through the complete elimination of customs duties on the import of agricultural products originating in the Republic of Moldova into the United Kingdom for a period of five years.
Products subject to quantitative limitations under the Agreement are table grapes, fresh apples, cherries, plums, grape juice, tomatoes and garlic. Additionally, the initiative provides for the elimination of the provisions regarding the capping of entry prices for the agricultural products indicated in the Agreement, such as cucumbers, pumpkins, pears, apricots, peaches, etc.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitization, the protocol will help to increase trade between our countries, expand economic cooperation, and provide new opportunities for the development and reorientation of Moldova’s foreign trade amid the crisis in the region. This will directly help Moldovan producers to cope with the loss of their main markets and transit centers for these key agricultural products.
The protocol was signed by Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba and Fern Horine, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Moldova.
“We are extending for another five years the import of products originating from the Republic of Moldova on the UK market. A huge opportunity for our farmers! This means access to a market of over 66 million consumers. Dear entrepreneurs, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. And we are here for you with reforms and financing. Your success is our priority”, declared Minister Dumitru Alaiba.
“We continue to stand with Moldova in moments of trial and resistance in the face of Russian aggression. We are your friends and also a reliable business partner. The tariff liberalization is part of a large package of measures that the United Kingdom agreed with the Republic of Moldova in recent months. Apart from this agreement, the UK’s support amounts to £30 million and helps Moldova support Ukrainian refugees, strengthen its defenses against cyberattacks, combat pro-Russian disinformation, reform the armed forces, build a stronger economy and fight corruption. The United Kingdom will continue to support Moldova as long as it is necessary”, the ambassador said.
The trade liberalization agreement took effect on July 31, 2023, applicable for one year, and was thus due to expire on July 31 of this year. The protocol signed today extends the agreement for another 5 years.
