Moldovan, Polish officials broach investments, economic cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister, Economics Minister Valeriu Lazar met Polish Deputy Economics Minister Ilona Antiniszyn Klik on 3 December. The sides praised the activity of the Moldovan-Polish intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation, which was held in Chisinau and had a comprehensive agenda with consistent implications for bilateral economic ties, the Economics Ministry's information and media communication department has reported.

Valeriu Lazar said that Poland's experience was very important for Moldova, country undergoing deep transformations, which Poland passed through 10-15 years ago. Over the past three years, about 100 economic laws were adopted, and now an equally difficult and responsible stage follows, namely that of development of the normative and institutional framework, in order to enforce the legislation adjusted to the EU.

Lazar listed among the priorities, the reform in the area of the quality infrastructure, in particular food security. Lazar said that a revolution is needed in the field of quality, as the European standards have not only to be adopted, but also to be understood and implemented. «Moldova needs support, but we are the only ones who have to make our internal reforms. But Moldova's advantage is that it can advance rapidly, taking advantage of the experience of such countries as Poland,» Lazar said.

For her part, Ilona Antiniszyn Klik expressed Poland's willingness to provide assistance in the field of negotiations on the creation of a deep and comprehensive free trade area, at the levels of experts and promoted policies.

The sides also discussed ways to build capacities to draw in investments, expressing willingness to enhance the capacity of the Moldovan Investment and Export Promotion Organisation and of the free economic zones by attracting investments into industrial projects.

Klik expressed Polish businessmen's interest in expanding the Moldovan market, including by providing credits by Polish banks. In particular, Polish companies are interested in the agricultural area and production of agricultural goods, including by using innovative, environmental protection, energy efficiency technologies, etc. Ilona Klik launched an invitation to promote the whole region of south-eastern Europe within some specialized exhibitions organized in Asia, Africa and South America. The approach opens a market of about 200 million consumers.

Valeriu Lazar also made a short presentation of Moldova's investment opportunities, among them the industrial parks, the free economic zones, important assets put up for privatization, etc.

Adapted from Moldpres