Improving Trade Facilitation in the Republic of Moldova with UNECE tools

Let me begin by thanking Ms. Ceban and the Government for hosting us here today.

Let me also extend my thanks and warm welcome to the UNECE delegation who travelled to be here with us today for the launching of the Study on Regulatory and Procedural Barriers to Trade: Assessment of Trade Facilitation Framework of the Republic of Moldova.

Moldova’s economy has been affected by multiple crises that have posed substantial challenges to private sector development and disrupted supply chains -raising concerns about future economic growth prospects and has increased financial uncertainty.

The negative impact of war-related trade disruptions highlights the need to think strategically on how best harness the power of trade for sustainable development.

We need to think about how to help businesses, specifically SMEs, to diversify export markets, how to enhance the country’s quality infrastructure for trade and overall how to facilitate trade.

Complementing this, how to expand access to new markets and further leverage the benefits from existing free trade agreements with European Union (DCFTA) the Balkans region (under the Central European Free Trade Agreement) and other countries (e.g Turkey).

Simplified and streamlined border procedures could help dampen the impact of external shocks and act as a catalyst of new economic activities. Identifying bottlenecks and solutions to minimize waiting times at the borders is essential for Moldova’s market access strategies.

In sectors like agriculture improving the efficiency of border controls could help producers become a reliable partner to retail clients and consumers in more demanding markets. If the proper infrastructure is put in place, it would progressively result in upgrading value addition in supply chains.

This, among others, are the type of issues addressed in the UNECE Study on Regulatory Barriers to Trade in the Republic of Moldova: Assessment of the Trade Facilitation Framework, that we are launching here today.

UNECE, along with UNCTAD, have played a valuable role in transferring knowledge and technical cooperation on trade matters. With the UNECE repository of trade and transport norms and standards, it is one of the main entities in the UN system that can support Moldova’s much needed structural transformation towards increased competitiveness.

Today’s will offer an opportunity to discuss implementation of the WTO agreement on trade facilitation. It will also be an opportunity to identify specific ideas where further support is required.

We will also learn about recommendations that can serve as a strategic blueprint for the future, including further implementation of TFA measures.

This will be particularly important for MSMEs development as small businesses account for the lion’s share of the country’s businesses and jobs.

Looking ahead, I hope the Government will keep advancing its agenda of reforms on trade matters. Strengthening legal frameworks and implementing long-term digital and sustainable trade facilitation plans will surely help enhance the country’s position as a reliable and strong trading partner.

The Resident Coordinator’s Office in Moldova and the UN Country Team remain committed to further assist the authorities in ensuring Government programmes are aligned to the SDG objectives and contribute to the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

I look forward to a very interactive and productive discussion.