Ukraine, Moldova can boost trade turnover to 1 1/2 bln dlrs a year - premier

Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov said Ukraine and Moldova have all opportunities to considerably increase their turnover, and achieve the pre-crisis level. Azarov made the statement during a meeting with his Moldovan colleague Vlad Filat here on Thursday.

In 2011, two-way trade exceeded one billion dollars. "It's a good indicator. We've been restoring the level of pre-crisis years 2008 and 2009. Our pre-crisis turnover made up 1.5 billion dollars then. And therefore, it has a potential to grow; we have all opportunities to increase it," he said.

Azarov said Ukraine was interested in its construction companies' participation in the implementation of Moldovan infrastructure projects, and the establishment of joint leasing companies to operate Ukrainian agricultural machinery in Moldova.

The head of the Ukrainian government underscored the interest in simultaneous ratifecation by the parliament of the two countries of the free trade zone agreement with countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States.[

"The Ukrainian prime minister urged Moldova to step up the efforts towards the demarcation of the Ukrainian-Moldovan state border at problem points, and with respect to the agreement on the operation of the Dniestr hydroelectric power plant," the press service of the Ukrainian prime minister reported.

Azarov noted Ukraine's considerable interest in boosting the exports of electricity to Moldova, and stepping up the measures towards integration of the Ukrainian and Moldovan energy systems into the unified European energy grid.

"This will create additional opportunities for an increase in the supply of electricity to Moldova and further transit to European Union countries," he said.

He invited Moldova to participate in the implementation of investment projects in Ukraine, such as the construction of a terminal for regasification of liquefied natural gas.

In addition, the Ukrainian premier offered to exchange information about talks over the price of natural gas with Russia. "Our countries have similar problems with reaching accords on supplies of Russian gas. I believe it would be useful to exchange information about the principled approaches in the solution of this issue," Azarov stated.


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