The United Kingdom has agreed to continue allowing Moldovan agricultural products into its market without tariff quotas for an additional five-year period. This development follows the signing of a protocol amending the Agreement on Strategic Partnership, Trade, and Cooperation between Moldova and the United Kingdom. The protocol facilitates the complete removal of customs duties on Moldovan agricultural imports into the UK, covering products such as table grapes, fresh apples, sweet cherries, plums, grape juice, tomatoes, and garlic. It also eliminates entry price caps for certain products, including cucumbers, pumpkins, pears, apricots, and peaches.
Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba highlighted the positive impact of this agreement on Moldovan exports to the UK, noting significant growth in the export of plums, table grapes, apples, and sweet cherries since the agreement's inception. The UK's Ambassador to Moldova, Fern Horine, expressed the UK's continued support for Moldova, mentioning a comprehensive package of measures including a 30 million pound support fund aimed at various sectors including refugee support, cybersecurity, and economic strengthening.
The trade liberalization measure, initially enforced for one year until 31 July 2024, has been extended for another five years. The UK ranks as Moldova's 19th largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at 115.7 million dollars in 2023. The UK also stands as a significant investor in Moldova, hosting 235 enterprises with British capital.
Source: moldpres.md