Moldova, China interested in signing free trade agreement

Chisinau, 07 April /MOLDPRES/ – The current state of bilateral relations and opportunities for expanding the Moldovan-Chinese were the main topics of discussion at a meeting today between Prime Minister Pavel Filip and representatives of delegation of the People’s Republic of China led by Zhang Chunxian, member of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, being on visit in Moldova.

According to the government’s communication and protocol department, sides highlighted the dynamic nature of bilateral cooperation and increased interest in their further development. Prime Minister Pavel Filip said that the Government's objective was to ensure citizens' welfare and appreciated the ability of China to generate sustainable growth. Prime Minister showed interest, particularly in Chinese experience in making difficult structural reforms.

The head of the Cabinet of Ministers invited Chinese companies to invest in Moldova and to participate in the privatization process in our country. Related to it, Pavel Filip said that despite Moldova being a small country, it has got access to a market of over 880 million consumers, with Free Trade Agreement with the EU, the CIS, Turkey and CEFTA countries group.

In this context, the Prime Minister referred to the facilities of seven Moldovan Free Economic Zones (FEZ). "The residents of FEZ benefit from various exemptions from taxes and have access to all utility infrastructure. Therefore, we invite Chinese companies not to miss this opportunity and use fully the potential to produce and export to the EU, the CIS, Turkey, freely," said Pavel Filip.  

The prime minister also mentioned the importance of speeding up signing of a free trade agreement between Moldova and China. "To discuss issues related to the development of the feasibility study on a Free Trade Agreement, so far there took place a series of consultations with the Chinese side. Memorandum of the Agreement on completion of the feasibility study is planned for 14 – 15 May in China," added Pavel Filip.

At his part, Zhang Chunxian, head of Chinese delegation, confirmed his interest to speed up the signing of free trade with Moldova, which would significantly boost bilateral cooperation.

The priority areas of cooperation, officials revealed upgrading road infrastructure and communications, energy, agriculture and tourism. In particular, representatives of Chinese delegations expressed interest in the import of Moldovan wines on the Chinese market and expressed willingness to carry out joint projects in Moldova for the construction of a highway and a small nuclear power plant.

At the end of the meeting, Zhang Chunxian invited Pavel Filip to pay a working visit to the People’s Republic of China.