Moldovan entrepreneurs from April will enjoy new export opportunities. At a briefing, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Dumitru Alaiba spoke about the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA countries starting April 1. He referred to the opportunities and economic prospects that this agreement opens up for Moldova, IPN reports.

EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Respectively, Moldovan producers will be able to export without customs duties to these states.

"This means larger exports to these countries and bigger investments from the EFTA countries. We are opening new markets for our products and attracting investments to the economy of the Republic of Moldova," said Dumitru Alaiba.

The minister also referred to the sectors with the highest potential to export to EFTA countries.

"Of course, wine and spirits, a sector already recognized on the European markets, fresh grapes and fruits, natural honey, sunflower oil and oilseeds, packaging, clothing and footwear, an industry that needs new markets and support," stated Dumitru Alaiba.

The potential of e-commerce was another important aspect raised during the briefing. EFTA markets are large consumers of products purchased online, and the free trade agreement opens up new prospects for online businesses in Moldova.

"We encourage entrepreneurs to make use of this agreement and demonstrate the competitiveness of Moldovan products at international level. In recent years, the markets of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein have been the destination for 31% of Moldovan exports of parts for heaters and 30% of exports of numerical control panels," said the minister.

In order to support entrepreneurs in taking these opportunities, the Government, in cooperation with development partners, developed a guide for exporting to EFTA countries, which is available on the website of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.

The Free Trade Agreement with EFTA countries was signed in June 2023.