Starting in April, entrepreneurs in Moldova will have new export opportunities. Minister Dumitru Alaiba provided details during a briefing about the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA countries, which will begin on April 1. He highlighted the economic opportunities and prospects this agreement brings to Moldova.
EFTA includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. As a result, Moldovan producers can now export to these countries without customs duties.
“This means more exports to these countries and more investments from EFTA countries. We are opening new markets for our products and attracting investments into the economy of the Republic of Moldova,” said Dumitru Alaiba.
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The Minister identified the sectors with the highest export potential to EFTA countries.
“Of course, wine, spirits, a sector already recognized in European markets, grapes and fresh fruits, natural honey, sunflower oil, and oilseeds, packaging, clothing, and footwear—an industry that currently needs new markets and support,” said Dumitru Alaiba.
The briefing also covered the potential of e-commerce. EFTA markets are major consumers of products purchased online, and the free trade agreement opens new perspectives for online businesses in Moldova.
“We encourage entrepreneurs to take advantage of this agreement and demonstrate the competitiveness of Moldovan products internationally. In recent years, the markets of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein have been destinations for 31% of Moldova’s exports of heater parts and 30% of exports of numerical control panels,” the Minister added.
To support entrepreneurs in leveraging these opportunities, the Government, in collaboration with development partners, has created a guide for exports to EFTA countries, available on the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitization’s website.
The parties signed the Free Trade Agreement with EFTA countries in June 2023.