"The reunion of the first Joint Committee is an important step for the Republic of Moldova to improve regional cooperation, economic integration and trade flows with the EFTA States. It is a forum to discuss topics in different areas of priority interests as well as a platform to negotiate and sign a Free Trade Agreement between our countries in the near future. "

The statement was made by Economy and Infrastructure Minister Chiril Gaburici at the meeting of the first Joint Committee between the Republic of Moldova and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway).

Chiril Gaburici mentioned that all the legal prerequisites needed to deepen and develop mutually beneficial commercial and economic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the EFTA States. In this context, the Minister referred to the recently signed Declaration on Economic Cooperation in Trade, Customs, Technical Barriers to Trade, Intellectual Property Rights, Public Procurement Markets and Competition, as well as improving the conditions for cooperation in the private sector.

"The Free Trade Agreement with EFTA will provide a platform for trade intensification and an effective approach to integration into the global economy, strengthening trade cooperation with other countries as well as an important contribution to the trade system within the World Trade Organization" added the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possible areas of cooperation set out in the Declaration, especially with a view to enhancing trade and investment between the EFTA countries and Moldova, as well as opportunities to initiate talks on the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement. In this context, Minister Gaburici mentioned that the conclusion of free trade agreements with different countries is a priority of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure.

At the same time, Chiril Gaburici talked about the reforms made in order to create a competitive and attractive business climate for foreign investors.

"The Government of Chisinau focuses its efforts on promoting efficient structural reforms, which contribute to creating a favorable business environment for attracting investments and promoting exports. Our country offers different opportunities for foreign investors, in particular by granting tax incentives to economic agents operating in industrial parks, free economic zones, IT park "Tekwill", such as the 7% single tax, simplified reporting procedure - companies present a single report, "the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure said.

The meeting of the Joint Committee, organized by the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, was attended by representatives from the trade, business environment and governmental structures of the Republic of Moldova, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway.

The meeting aims to exchange information between our country and EFTA and to analyze the actions undertaken following the signing of the Joint Statement of Cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and the EFTA States.