On 6-7 November, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström is visiting the Republic of Moldova to take stock of the progress made in EU-Moldova trade relations. The visit will also reflect on the results of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the EU and Moldova, which this autumn marks its three-year anniversary.
During her visit, Commissioner Malmström is to meet with President Igor Dodon, Prime Minister Pavel Filip, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Economy Octavian Calmîc, and President of the Moldovan Parliament Andrian Candu. In addition, the EU Trade Commissioner will visit Monicol, a company based in the capital Chisinau, which exports fruits and nuts grown in the local area. Since the entry into force of the DCFTA, Monicol has exported 95% of its total production to the EU duty free, and now employs 160 permanent members of staff, according to an EU Delegation to Moldova press release.
In order to comply with international standards, the company has invested in infrastructure and modern equipment, and has also sought accreditation from leading standards bodies. Monicol benefitted from a loan supported by an EU grant in 2012.
According to the EU Delegation to the country, the EU is Moldova’s main trading partner, accounting for two-thirds of its exports and nearly half of its imports. Despite the 2014-15 banking crisis, Moldovan exports to the EU have increased by more than 15% since the provisional entry into force of the EU-Moldova DCFTA in September 2014, supporting jobs and growth in the country.
