Moldovan deputy PM for integration calls 1+1 meeting of Chisinau, Tiraspol's negotiators productive

CHISINAU. Jan 17 (Interfax) - The latest 1+1 meeting of Chisinau and Tiraspol's political representatives for the Transdniestrian settlement was constructive despite the complicated atmosphere and geopolitical situation, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian said.

"I do not agree that the meeting was unproductive. There are results. We feared possible problems with the operation of eight schools teaching their students in Romanian [in Transdniestria according to the Moldovan Education Ministry's curriculum]. Tiraspol assured us they would not create impediments for the schools. [...] Moldovan farmers in the Dubasari district will also continue working as usual," Serebrian said at a press conference ahead of a government meeting.

The most difficult problem addressed at the meeting in Tiraspol on Tuesday was the entry into force of the new Moldovan Customs Code, Serebrian said. This is not about changing customs regulations for economic actors on the eastern bank of the Dniester, the new Customs Code took effect in Moldova this year and certain rules changed for all economic entities, he said.

"The new code abolishes customs duties paid exclusively by economic agents from the Transdniestrian region. At the same time, customs duties have been introduced for all economic agents carrying out export-import operations. These are not excise taxes or VAT, but duties. The new duties are slightly higher than the previous ones. But they are not large either. In addition, these duties do not apply to countries which Moldova has a free trade system with," Serebrian said.

"These are countries of the European Union, the CIS, and Turkey. The only country that does not have a free trade agreement with us [among the top ten trade partners] is China," he said.