Customs Service hosted the trilateral meeting of Moldovan, Italian and Ukrainian customs officials, organized for the first time in our country. The event was attended by the Director of the Customs Service, Vitalie Vrabie, General Director of the Customs and Monopoly Agency of the Italian Republic, Giovanni Kessler, Interim President of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, Miroslav Prodan, Ambassador of Italy to Moldova, E.S. Valeria Biagiotti and Ambassador of Ukraine to RM, E.S. Ivan Hnatyshyn.

Representatives of EU-funded assistance projects - EU High Commissioner for Customs, Rosario de Blasio and Twinning Resident Counselor, Valdas Dovydenas, were also present.

In his speech, Customs Director Vitalie Vrabie mentioned the importance of strengthening customs cooperation with Italy and Ukraine, as the trade with these two states continues to grow.

According to statistical data, in 2017, the volume of goods exported to Ukraine increased by 73% compared to 2016, reaching up to 150.6 mln. USD, while imports increased by 50%, amounting to 316 mln. USD. In Italy, goods were delivered in the amount of 277.6 million. USD, the increase being 15% and imports totaled 316 million. USD, 18% more than in 2016.

At the same time, the Head of Customs appreciated the contribution of the Embassies of the two countries in Chisinau in the development of the inter-institutional dialogue, which allowed the intensification of the bilateral relations. Vitalie Vrabie also underlined the assistance provided by the Italian Customs experts, delegated to implement several modernization projects in the Moldovan customs system.

The Director of the Moldovan Customs Service evoked the importance of the two Joint Statements signed by the customs of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine today with Italy.

"These documents are aimed at enhancing cooperation to enhance the exchange of information and experience in the customs field, the conduct of joint anti-fraud activities and the professional development of customs personnel," said Vitalie Vrabie.

For his part, Giovanni Kessler, the Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopoly Agency, said that signing these documents is a recognition of the joint commitment to cooperation, but also a new stage for the development of the established cooperation relations.

The need to continue this format of cooperation was also supported by the interim President of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, Miroslav Prodan. It outlined the effectiveness of exchanges of information and experience in boosting trade and combating cross-border crime so as to ensure fair competition for all economic operators.

The first meeting of Moldovan, Ukrainian and Italian customs officials took place in Rome on 17 May.