MOLDOVA-UKRAINE TRADE TURNOVER GREW 40% OVER A YEAR

The trade turnover between Ukraine and Moldova reached US$500 million in 1H2018, growing by more than 40% against the equivalent period of 2017.

At the Friday's press conference, Prime Ministers of the two countries Pavel Filip and Vladimir Groysman expressed satisfaction with the achieved results.

"However, this is not the limit, as Ukraine and Moldova have a great potential for raising mutual trade", Groysman stressed.

Pavel Filip said that an agreement was signed within the meeting which allows Moldovan citizens to stay in the territory of Ukraine for more than 90 days per year.

"This is a very important agreement for transport workers, who do not fit in these time frames. We hope that the signed agreement will soon be ratified by the Supreme Rada [parliament] and will enter into force", the Moldovan Premier said.

He also stressed that a considerable progress was achieved in discussing the environmental issues, the border demarcation and the mutual recognition of the property objects.

Groysman said that GUAM member countries are discussing and working on introducing of free trade regime, which will also contribute to the simplified trade regime between four countries' producers.

The head of the Ukrainian Government said that the GUAM governments unanimously supported the proposal of Moldovan colleague to cancel the payment for roaming between Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova.

Answering to the question on the possible suspension of the railroad communication between Ukraine and Russia, Groysman said: "Ukraine will never take decisions that could harm our Moldovan partner".

"I would ask that any news from Ukraine to be perceived with optimism. Ukraine will never take a decision which may be in detriment to Moldova. Never!" Groysman stressed.