The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel will cooperate based on a memorandum signed within the Moldovan-Israeli intergovernmental commission for commercial-economic cooperation in Chisinau, IPN reports.

Minister of Agriculture Vasile Bumacov, who chairs the commission on behalf of Moldova, told a news conference that the commercial relations between Moldova and Israel are developing, especially in the agroindustrial sector.

“Competitiveness is the key to success and, in order to be competitive, we must implement the most modern technology. Israel applies the best technology in the world, especially for saving energy and using alternative sources of energy,” stated Vasile Bumacov.

According to the minister, the experience of Israel in agriculture is very important. “The Israeli experts grow vegetables in the desert according to special methodology, maximizing the results. They use modern irrigation methods, which is very important for our farmers as well,” said Vasile Bumacov.

Referring to the 1,000 work contracts for Moldovans provided by Israel, the minister said the accumulated experience will be important when the workers return to Moldova. “The people who will return home will start businesses in the area and they will be subsidized by the state so that this industry is developed. The students who will complete their studies in Israel will do the same,” he stated.

Israeli Minister of Tourism Uzi Landau, who is the co-chairman of the joint commission, welcomed the intergovernmental cooperation, saying that Israel is interested in importing mutton, sunflower seeds and wheat from Moldova.

Uzi Landau voiced hope that in several weeks Israel will take a decision in favor of liberalizing the visa regime with Moldova.