IMPORTANT-MOST CONDITION FOR INVESTMENT ATTRACTION IS STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION – EU AMBASSADOR

The important-most condition for investment attraction is a real, efficient struggle against corruption, Ambassador Peter Michalko, the Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, stated in Comrat on Friday at the opening of the 6th international investment forum “Invest Gagauzia 2020”.

The diplomat stressed that the European Union’s stance is unchangeable: the Republic of Moldova must fight corruption and reform its judicial system.

“These are the two main elements that serve the basis of relationship between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. Moldova is remaining the European Union’s close partner within the frameworks of the Eastern Partnership Program and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement [DCFTA, the essential-most component of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement]”, the diplomat said, and remarked with satisfaction that the Gagauzia authorities are open to economic cooperation “for full 360 degrees”.

“In 2019, the European Union consolidated its positions in trade with Moldova. Presently, 56% of the republic’s overall trade turnover account for the EU. The export of Moldovan goods to EU has reached 64%. Last year, 1837 Moldovan companies were exporting their products to the European Union, which was 48% greater than in 2015”, said Ambassador Peter Michalko.

He also said that only in the form of grants, the EU has allocated 87 million euros for medical purposes to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Gurol Sokmensuer, said that two years ago, after the memorable visit paid to Moldova by President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, relations between the two countries have reached the level of strategic partnership.

“And the Turkish business community plays a far from the last role in this. Turkish investments in the Moldovan economy have already reached 300 million euros. Soon, sophisticated medical equipment will be delivered to the Ceadir-Lunga Raion Hospital, and a new consignment of assistance to the Gagauzia autonomy as a whole. Turkish people of business are always ready to offer a helpful hand to Moldova”, said the Ambassador of Turkey.