"We want the Romanian side to support the negotiations with the European Union regarding the increase of the export quotas and the diversification of the exported product range".

The request was made by the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Chiril Gaburici, at the meeting with the delegation of the Joint Commission for European Integration between the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the Parliament of Romania. The parties also discussed the harmonization of roaming charges and their elimination.

Officials discussed the possibilities of achieving joint projects in the economic field on several platforms of cooperation and the amplification of bilateral relations. In this context, Chiril Gaburici presented the priorities of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure for 2018 and the opportunities for expanding bilateral and investment cooperation. Among the important areas, the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure mentioned the infrastructure of the roads, the extension of the free trade agreements with the EFTA countries, China, etc. Also, other topics discussed during the meeting included ensuring energy security, attracting investment, especially developing the IT industry and communications, streamlining economic diplomacy, implementing regulatory reform, improving state-owned enterprises.

Referring to the implementation of the Association Agreement / DCFTA with the EU, Minister Chiril Gaburici mentioned that Moldovan foreign trade is more oriented towards the EU, which became the main trading partner of our country with a share of roughly 65 percent for exports and about 50 percent for imports. Similarly, the number of exporting companies increased by 200 over the past two years, steadily increasing.

In this context, Chiril Gaburici appreciated the support offered by the Republic of Moldova to the neighboring country and requested the Romanian side's support in the development of joint projects and the exchange of experience on several platforms.

"I am glad to host the delegation of the Joint Parliamentary Committee for European Integration at the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure and we welcome the interest towards the Republic of Moldova. Romania is the main partner of our country in the commercial-economic chapter, as well as the supporter of the European integration path by aligning with the European standards and taking over the acquis communautaire. The Republic of Moldova is interested in Romania's experience in promoting economic diplomacy, implementing projects in the field of IT, communications, especially on the technical operation of the Unique Emergency Service and institutional consolidation, "said Chiril Gaburici.

In his turn, the Romanian Parliament's Co-President, Bogdan-Ionel Rodeanu, reiterated that Romania continues to support the Republic of Moldova in the European path and appreciated the boosting of bilateral cooperation relations in various fields. In this respect, the Romanian side opts for the realization of joint projects in economy, industry, regional development, energy, agriculture, etc. In particular, Bogdan-Ionel Rodeanu referred to the completion of Moldovan interconnection projects in the European energy market as well as to increasing the efficiency of control mechanisms at border crossing points in order to streamline flows of people, means of transport and goods.