WT/TPR/M/323  
2 December 2015  
(15-6327)  Page: 1/33  
Trade Policy Review Body 
19 and 21 October 2015  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 2  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF 
MOLDOVA  ........................................................................................................................ 4  
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 7  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 10  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ............................................................................................... 19  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 32  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by the Republic of Moldova are reproduc ed in document WT/TPR/M/323/Add.1 and will be 
available online at http://www.wto.org/ english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The first Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Moldova was held on 19 and 
21 October 2015. The Chairperson H.E. Mr Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) welcomed the delegation of the Republic of Moldova headed by the Honourable Mr Octavian Calmic, Deputy 
Minister of Economy; the rest of the delegation from the Republic of Moldova; other colleagues 
from the Mission in Geneva; and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Juan Esteban Aguirre (Paraguay). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by th e Republic of Moldova was contained in document 
WT/TPR/G/323 and that of the WT O Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/323. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been  submitted in writing before the deadline of 
5.30 p.m. of 5 October and had been transmitted to  the delegation of the Republic of Moldova: 
Brazil; the European Union; Canada and the Russian Federation. The following delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: Th ailand and the United States. These questions 
had also been transmitted to the delegation of the Republic of Moldova. 
1.4.  The Chairperson was very pleased to note that the Republic of Moldova had had a positive 
economic performance over the last few years, with  one of the strongest real GDP growth rates in 
the region, relatively low inflation, and declining budget deficit. The current account deficit had 
also been decreasing recently thanks in particular  to the on-going trade liberalization efforts that 
had had a positive impact on exports. Nevertheless, for 2015, a contraction of 1% in economic activity was expected. Some of the main risks to the Republic of Moldova's outlook related to the 
fact that it imported most of its energy resources and that it relied on worker remittances from 
abroad. Substantial investments were also required  in infrastructure although progress had been 
made, especially through the development of the port of Giurgiulesti. Services constituted the 
most important sector with almost 60% share of GDP, followed by agriculture and related 
activities, and manufacturing. The Chairperson was sure that Members would be interested in learning about what steps the authorities were taking, or planned to take, to consolidate the 
country's economic development. He was sure th at the WTO Membership would also like to know 
the views of the authorities on th e Republic of Moldova's future ec onomic and trade prospects. In 
particular, what measures were intended to strengthen the viability of the domestic banking system. 
1.5.  As the Government and the Secretariat reports indicated, the Republic of Moldova had 
14 regional trade agreements in force encompassi ng 45 partners. The economic and trade policies 
of the Republic of Moldova were largely driven by its commitments in the WTO and its goal to join 
the European Union. In this regard, important trade and investment reforms had taken place since 
its accession to the WTO. For example, the Republ ic of Moldova had been updating its legislative 
framework in areas such as TBT, SPS, competition, state-aid, government procurement, and 
intellectual property. Nonetheless, both reports also indicated that further structural reforms would 
be fundamental to strengthening the Republic of Moldova's resilience to external shocks, 
sustaining growth, attracting investment, and improving its business environment. 
1.6.  With regard to the overall policy framework, th e two reports made clear that the Republic of 
Moldova was strongly committed to the multilateral trading system. It had made its notification of 
Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and aimed to ratify the WTO Government Procurement Agreement this year. The Chairperson noted that Members would 
certainly like to know about the functioning of the National Committee on Trade Facilitation.  
1.7.  On the other hand, some Members had noted that the Republic of Moldova increased its 
simple average MFN tariff from 4.9% in 2001 (when it joined the WTO), to 5.3% in 2009, and 
6.3% in 2015. Members also asked questions regarding, for example, import licensing; standards, 
technical regulations and SPS measures; competition and state-aid; enforcement of intellectual property rights; agricultural policies; the Moldovan  banking system; and regulation of the domestic 
telecommunications market. The Chairperson was sure that these and many other themes would 
be touched upon in greater detail at the deliberations on the first and second day of the meeting 
and all Members looked forward to hearing the Repu blic of Moldova's responses to these and other WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  queries. The Chairperson closed his introductory  remarks by wishing the Republic of Moldova a 
very successful first Trade Policy Review. He looked forward to its active engagement in this TPR. 
1.8.  He also noted that a podcast would be made of the meeting which could be accessed on the 
Members' website. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA 
(MR OCTAVIAN CALMIC) 
2.1.  On behalf of the Government of the Republic of  Moldova, please allow me to welcome you to 
our first session of the Trade Policy Review. It is for the first time that my country undertakes this 
important exercise. The delegation of the Republic  of Moldova, represented by the key ministries, 
is here to present to the WTO Members the achiev ements in field of trade policy of the country 
over the years 2001-2015. 
2.2.  I would like to start by extending our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat for its excellent 
work and a comprehensive assistance provided to us in this area. We had appreciated the impact this had on the implementation of my country's post-accession commitments and in properly conducting this trade policy review exercise. I would also like to thank all WTO Members that have 
asked questions on the report prepared by the Go vernment and by the Secretariat. We appreciate 
your interest and participation in this review, which re-assures us of the continued interest by the WTO Members in the progress made by the Republic of Moldova on the field of international trade 
policy. The Moldovan delegation is ready for an open and interactive discussion on the information 
presented in its report. 
2.3.  Fifteen years have passed after the Republic of Moldova has joined the WTO. Over this 
period, the country has laid solid foundations for an open and market-driven economy. Today, the 
Republic of Moldova's trade with WTO Members is conducted transparently with due regard for the 
WTO core principles: the Most-Favoured Nation an d National Treatment. The Republic of Moldova 
is well aware of the significance and respect of these principles for the country's successful 
integration into the world economy and its further economic development. 
2.4.  During these fifteen years, we have been able to gain an invaluable experience in the field of 
international trade through our regular participation in the work of WTO Committees meetings, 
sessions, working groups on accession, and at the sessions of the General Council and Ministerial 
Conferences. My country has not been only an observer in these processes; on the contrary, 
specific steps have been undertaken in order to strengthen our commitment to international trade 
liberalization under the WTO umbrella. In 2015, after lengthy negotiations, the Republic of 
Moldova has signed the WTO Government Procurem ent Agreement, which marks the beginning of 
important reforms in this sector. In the same year, my Government has signed the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. We have high hopes in connection with implementation of these legal 
instruments into domestic legislation. The Moldovan Parliament is expected to ratify both treaties 
in 2015 or at the beginning of 2016. 
2.5.  The Republic of Moldova is also an active player  on the regional economic integration front. In 
line with the GATT Article XXIV, the country has signed a number of regional trade instruments, 
namely with the Central Europe Free Trade Agreement (2006), Free Trade Zone with CIS countries (2012), the Association Agreement (AA) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the 
European Union (2014), and a FTA with Turkey ( 2014). As a result of these commitments, the 
Republic of Moldova has implemented many econom ic reforms and increased trade with these key 
partners. 
2.6.  While the reports of the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the Republic of Moldova 
have well illustrated the economic and trade deve lopment of the country over the reviewed period, 
please allow me to highlight a few points in this meeting.  
The Moldovan economy 
2.7.  The Republic of Moldova is a small and relatively open economy in which agriculture plays a 
significant role. In 2014, agriculture amounted  to about 12.6% of GDP and 45.5% of total 
merchandise exports. Services constitute the most important sector in terms of contribution to 
GDP. The main destinations of the Moldovan expo rts remain the countries of the European Union 
with a total amount of 60% of total exports. 
2.8.  Despite being affected by the global economic crisis and other external shocks, the Republic 
of Moldova's current account deficit, as percentage  of GDP, decreased over the last five years. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  Exchange rate flexibility and on-going trade liber alization efforts are some of the contributing 
factors to the improvement of its external sector.  
2.9.  The economic conditions of the Republic of Moldova remain however volatile. After a 
remarkable recovery from the economic crisis  of 2009, some sectors of the economy face 
slowdown. Among others, this is attributable to weaker economic activity with some of its main 
trading partners, notably the Russian Federation and Ukraine.  
2.10.  Following its WTO accession in 2001, the country has implemented many important reforms 
covering, among others, privatization, competition, standardisation, entrepreneurial activity, 
intellectual property and trade in services. Many of these have been triggered by the country's EU 
integration process. 
2.11.  Wide reforms are reflected in the National Development Strategy Plan 2020, where the 
Government of Moldova aims to achieve GDP growth and further reduce poverty by increasing 
productivity and competitiveness of the economy. To do so, we intend to replace the economic 
model used in the past largely based on consumption fuelled by remittances, with a model based 
on investment and the development of goods and services exporting industries. The following key 
areas are to be given special attention under this strategy: education, business environment, infrastructure, financial sector, energy consumption, pension system, and judicial framework. 
2.12.  In the following, I highlight a number of structural adjustment reforms carried out most 
recently by the Republic of Moldova.  
2.13.  The most recent plan of privatization has been adopted in 2012, and it is largely dictated by 
public spending needs. In order to reduce the participation of the State in joint-stock companies 
and state-owned enterprises, the Government is planning to restart the privatization process in the 
near future by using legally available methods. 
2.14.  The attraction of more investments is one of the major priorities of the country. The 
Constitution of the Republic of Moldova ensures non-discriminatory treatment and guarantees the 
inviolability of both foreign and domestic investments of natural and juridical persons. One important achievement in this field relates to the adoption of legislation on public-private 
partnerships, which provides rules for the concessions of public companies.  
2.15.  In the field of competition, some of the current reforms relate to building institutional 
capacity, improving legal enforcement, addressing barriers to entry into the market for business, 
providing fair access to state-owned infrastructure.  
2.16.  A major focus area of our reform agenda is the ease of doing business. Important 
improvements to the business climate in the Republ ic of Moldova were made and further ones are 
envisaged in a comprehensive Regulatory Framework Reform of Entrepreneurial Activity for 
2013-2020. This programme aims at optimizing business activity and decreasing the 
administrative burden to business by approximately 40%. It will optimize procedures for launching, conduct and liquidation of business activities by applying mechanisms such as: 
digitization of delivering public services processes, operation of one-stop shops; optimization 
authorization procedures in trade and construction; simplifying acts for import/export transactions. 
Trade policy 2.17.  Since 2001, the country has liberalized its import and export regime in goods and has kept 
up to the commitments in the trade in services. Further reforms of trade policy of the Republic of 
Moldova target market liberalization through the elimination of non-trade barriers.  
2.18.  The reform in the services sectors is mo re complex; however, the country adopted 
important core sector legislation in this period. More recently it has passed legislation on the 
implementation of optional pension funds and developed strategies on the operation of post services and information technology sector. Th e opening up of the electronic communications 
market has been complemented with gradual and vo luntary alignment of the Republic of Moldova's 
legal and regulatory framework to the one applied by the EU. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  2.19.  Important reforms have been implemented in the field of standardization, where national 
standards are being harmonized with internatio nal and regional ones. During 2010-2014, over 
10,500 European and international standards have been approved as national standards. The 
Republic of Moldova has accepted the Code of Good Practice, and is either a Member or an 
observer in relevant international standardization bodies. During the review period, it has 
submitted an important number of TBT notificati ons to the WTO TBT Committee, and some others 
are pending notifications. 
2.20.  The Republic of Moldova has fully complied with its WTO TRIPS commitments. It is a 
signatory to 26 international and seven CIS IPR treaties and agreements, and cooperates with more than 30 IP offices around the world. The country provides a high level of protection including effective means of enforcement. The legal framew ork is being amended in order to harmonize it 
with the EU legislation in this field. 
Regional economic integration 2.21.  The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU is one of its major foreign policy 
objectives. This will require reforms and alignment of the legislative framework with the EU 
legislation, which is ongoing. The commitments undertaken under these instruments relate to improving the business climate, promoting and attracting investments, supporting the productive 
sector of the economy, promoting technological development of the industrial sector, enhancing 
energy security, modernizing the quality infrastr ucture system. In the field of the trade, the 
Republic of Moldova and the EU have signed the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) Agreement, which is provisionally applied since 1 September 2014. This Agreement will 
come into force once all national Parlia ments of EU Member States ratify it.  
2.22.  The Republic of Moldova has also recently signed a Free Trade Agreement with Turkey, 
which promises wide economic gains for the count ry and regional cumulation of origin between 
Turkey and the EU market. The agreement is not yet in force. 
2.23.  Since 1 March 2008, the Republic of Moldova has been benefitting from the EU's 
Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATP) scheme, which currently coexists with the EU DCFTA. 
Conclusions 
2.24.  Notwithstanding these regional developments, the Republic of Moldova maintains and 
supports the centrality of the WTO in the global trade. It has high hopes for multilateral trade negotiations, which we expected to bring even higher benefits to business and consumers and 
raise the general welfare. 
2.25.  In conclusion, let me assure all attendees of this session that your comments and questions 
raised during the Trade Policy Review of the Republ ic of Moldova will be given high priority by my 
Government.  
2.26.  We shall continue working in the trade policy area, based upon the fundamental WTO 
principles of predictability and non-discrimination of WTO Members. Within this process we hope to 
receive due support from other WTO Members. We also hope that key donors will consider a 
possibility to increase the much-needed resource s to be dedicated to trade-related technical 
assistance projects in order to duly implement the economic reforms.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  Thank you, Mr Chairman, and a very warm welcome to you, Mr Octavian Calmic, Deputy 
Minister of Economy. I wish you and your de legation a successful Trade Policy Review and a 
pleasant stay in Geneva. I will try to be as comprehensive as our Chairman and as our Deputy 
Minister have been. 
3.2.  For me it is a great honour to be here today, as a discussant, in the first ever Trade Policy 
Review of Moldova. It is a historic moment, a remarkable moment, a moment when all Members of 
this Organization will have an opportunity to appreciate and learn from the frank, honest and 
unrelenting determination of the Republic of Moldova to seek and carve its effective participation in global international trade. 
3.2  Economic environment 
3.3.  The TPR of Moldova is taking place after 14 years of its accession to the WTO. This is a very 
long period to analyse, so one may expect to see the effects of noticeable phases of different economic cycles, especially considering the 2008 economic and financial crises.  
3.4.  In terms of the broader economic environment, there have indeed been clear ups and downs, 
as reflected in the volatility of the economy, due also to its vulnerability to climatic and geopolitical conditions. Since its independence in 1991, the Republic of Moldova has been embarked in 
ambitious reform programmes aimed at transforming its centrally-planned economy into a fully 
functioning market economy. In this effort, the Government of Moldova has largely met its objectives of creating an outward-oriented econ omy, well integrated regionally and worldwide.  
3.5.  Real GDP growth rate averaged 5.4% during  2010-14, among the strongest in the region, 
with an unemployment rate of only 5.1%; services constitute the most important sector in terms 
of contribution to GDP (some 59.1% in 2014); ag riculture contributed about 12.6% in 2014, and 
45.5% of total merchandise exports. Remittances from large-scale emigration are a major feature 
of the Republic of Moldova's economy; in this rega rd, the Russian Federation is the main source of 
its total remittances inflows (more than half of  the total or about 14% of its GDP in 2014), 
followed by Italy, Israel and the United States. 
3.6.  Moldova has few natural gas resources and it is almost entirely dependent upon imports for 
its primary energy requirements as well as inputs for its manufacturing industries. Amidst oscillating external conditions, the Government of Moldova has been nonetheless able to make adjustments and maintain a structural balance.  
3.7.  It is also important to mention that the Government of Moldova has increased its efforts to 
provide aid on economic and social grounds, through direct aids, licencing requirements, and numerous incentives to some sectors. However, having done so, questions have arisen as to 
whether Moldova is moving away from free mark et towards more Government intervention, and 
whether social mores are taken precedence over business interests. In my humble opinion, social and economic objectives can and should come together; they have to complement and reinforce 
each other, and the development that international trade helps to generate should be an inclusive 
development. Inclusive developments that give o pportunity to individual and community growth as 
the consolidation of international trade flows bring innovation, new technology and modernized services. Innovation, technology and services that will necessarily come to revert into a more 
productive and competitive economy. The true basis for effective participation in global 
international trade. Striking the balance is the true challenge of the Government of Moldova. But I believe that the Government of Moldova has shown its capacity and moreover its resilience in 
keeping this balance despite the shifting political, economic and regional scenarios it has 
confronted over this long period under review.  
Trade policy 
3.8.  In many aspects, Moldova's trade policy is stable  and predictable, it is characterized by an 
on-going process of trade and investment liberalization, driven by commitments taken during its accession to the WTO in 2001 and its goal to accede to the European Union (EU). Moldova grants WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  MFN treatment to all trading partners. It has 100% of tariff binding and its tariff structure, for 
instance, is relatively simple with only 4.5% of non- ad valorem  tariffs. 
3.9.  The final simple average of its tariff rate is 7.7%. On agricultural products, the Republic of 
Moldova bound its tariff lines at a final simple average rate of 14.4%. For non-agricultural goods, 
the final simple average bound tariff rate is 5.9%. On the other hand, the use of non-tariff barriers 
in Moldova seems limited. It has licensing requirements to regulate several goods, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and fertilizers. The Republic of Moldova has neither 
imposed nor initiated any anti-dumping or countervailing measures. One definitive safeguard 
measure was applied on sugar imports during 2004-12. 
3.10.  The legal framework for food safety, animal and plant health is under process to align to 
those in the European Union, as well as technical regulations, standards and conformity 
assessment procedures, which have all been tran sparent and open, and the measures themselves 
follow mainly international standards. 
3.11.  My sense is that in this 14 year period through which there have been changes in Moldova's 
trade policy, these changes have had a very positi ve effect, rules became more pro-trade, more 
transparent and in line with international best practices. Examples of these during the review 
period include: incorporating international standards for intellectual property; empowering the 
competition authorities and ensuring their inde pendence; and on the trade facilitation side, 
customs procedures have already been standardized for some customs destinations as well as the implementation of an Authorized Economic Operator schemes. 
3.12.  Another important aspect that should be highlighted is the legal framework for foreign 
investment. Moldova allows full foreign participation in most activities with non-discriminatory 
treatment and guarantees the inviol ability of both foreign and domestic investments of natural and 
juridical persons. In this framework, investors have greater certainty regarding the rules on 
foreign exchange and remittance of funds. Howeve r, here there is some room for improvement, 
especially regarding financial services, and others for which investors still need licence to be carried out. 
3.13.  Some of the difficulties that Moldova faces are structural, systemic and also geopolitical. For 
instance, its full dependence on imported energy, high transportation costs and very low efficiency 
in terms of cross border trade procedures do not help Moldova to maximize its economic potential. In this sense, it is encouraging to see the Moldovan Government proactively is rolling out a 
Productivity, Innovation and Growth Agenda, and at the same time pursuing a new Energy Agenda 
in order to diversify its energy matrix. 
3.14.  Turning to Moldova's international trade, it is characterized by a strong intention to be 
better connected to the global markets. The Republic of Moldova is strongly committed to the 
multilateral trading system and undertook extensive commitments upon its WTO accession. It is also an active participant in the DDA talks, and this was reflected during the negotiation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement, especially Moldova participated strongly as a member of the Group 
of Land-locked countries. Moldova has already submitted its category A commitment and the Agreement is expected to be ratified by Parliament in 2015.  
3.15.  The Republic of Moldova has recently finalized negotiations for the WTO Government 
Procurement Agreement (GPA) and has been invited to the accession process. I also would like to 
highlight that the Republic of Moldova has already been aligning its legislation to international best practices and a modern e-procurement system is in place since 2013. These reforms have resulted 
in an increment of open tendering procedur es, particularly through e-procurement.  
3.16.  Outside the WTO, Moldova has signed 14 regional and bilateral trade agreements, 
encompassing 45 partners: Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; the 
EU-28; Georgia; Kazakhstan; UNMIK/Kosovo; Kyrgyz Republic; the FYR of Macedonia; 
Montenegro; the Russian Federation; Serbia; Ta jikistan; Turkey; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; and 
Uzbekistan. In 2014, merchandise trade with its RTAs partners accounted for 76% of Moldovan total imports and 86% of total exports.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  3.17.  Moldova has not participated in the plurilater al agreements within the WTO for Information 
technology, environmental goods and the agreement on trade in civil aircraft. Outside the WTO, 
Moldova is a correspondent member of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML); an associate member of the 
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), the European Committee for Electrotechnical 
Standardization (CENELEC), the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), and the Metre Convention; it is an affiliated member of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), and 
the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooper ation (ILAC); a full member of the Euro-Asian 
Cooperation of National Metrological Institutions (COOMET); and an observer to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). 
3.18.  This represents the great engagement of Moldova to the multilateral arena, especially to the 
international economic organizations.  
3.19.  Finally, I would like to conclude that the Republic of Moldova, the Government and the 
people of Moldova, have done an outstanding job and have given all of us a magnificent example 
of how to transform an economy and project it in to the international global economy. We see in 
the Moldovan effort and struggle a small country, a land locked country, a country with scares natural resourced emerge from all kinds of crisis, political, geopolitical, energy , financial to show 
all of us that with courage, vision and a strong determination and will it can be done. Moldova, in 
doing so, in trying to beat all the odds, has placed its trust in our multilateral system, and has become our willing partner in achieving free international trade especially for the growth and development of the people of Moldova. So, I say to you that truly Moldova has earned a full 
respect and totally deserves our full support. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
BRAZIL 4.1.  It is a matter of satisfaction for Brazil to participate in the first Moldovan TPR. Diplomatic 
relations between our Governments were established in 1993 and we are convinced that, 
notwithstanding the hurdles imposed by geography,  there is room to expand the scope of our 
bilateral relationship. 
4.2.  Since its accession to the WTO in 2001, the Republic of Moldova has shown its commitment 
to further integrate into global and regional trad e, albeit the challenges of being a landlocked 
country, with few natural resources, a persistent trade deficit in goods and a high dependency on remittances of its nationals. 
4.3.  Nonetheless, as a result of its sound macroeconomic policies and structural reforms, the 
Moldovan economy has been able to grow 5.4% on average during 2010-2014, one of the highest 
rates in Europe. We commend the Moldovan Government for its effort in that regard, particularly given the positive impacts on job creation and social inclusion. 
4.4.  On top of that, there are untapped potential, especially in agriculture, which can propel the 
Moldovan economy to an upper level of developm ent and contribute towards further integration 
with its neighbours. By pursuing a path of domestic reform, coupled with political stability and 
dialogue, Moldova is set to reap sustainable and so lid outcomes to the benefit of its population in 
the near future. 
4.5.  Following the global crisis in 2008, two-way trade has gradually recovered, but it remains far 
from its potentialities. Therefore, our countries are now faced with the challenges of increasing and 
diversifying our bilateral flows, as well as of ensuring their continuous growth. The Brazilian 
Government is open to explore constructively ways of enhancing cooperation not only in trade, including agriculture, but also in other fields, such as the aircraft industry. 
4.6.  We are grateful for the replies provided to our questions on agriculture, farm subsidies and 
SPS measures. They provided a better insight into the Moldovan reform rationale and will be forwarded to our capital for further examination. 
4.7.  In closing, Brazil stands ready to improve its cooperation and trade links with the Republic of 
Moldova and wishes it a very successful Trade Policy Review. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.8.  This is the Republic of Moldova's first review after its accession to the WTO in 2001. Moldova 
is a small landlocked country that, under an economic point of view, performed relatively well in 
the recent years, with real GDP growth averaging 5.4% during 2010-14, one of the strongest in the region. 
4.9.  However, the Republic of Moldova is expected to slip into recession this year as a result of 
adverse climatic conditions and the impact of the regional situation on its economy which is highly dependent on international trade. As also acknow ledged by the Secretariat report, some of the 
main risks to the Republic of Moldova's outlook relate to fluctuations in remittances from workers 
abroad and to the fallout of the domestic banking crisis. 
4.10.  In EU's view, it is essential that the Government of Moldova tackles key reforms to fight 
against corruption, to urgently reform its justice sector as well as to resolutely act on the serious 
crisis in the banking sector. These actions are essential to improve the business climate in the 
country, which is one of the aims of the Government.  
4.11.  The EU commends the Republic of Moldova's effo rts to integrate into the world economy as 
reflected in the progressive liberalisation of its trade regime and its participation in, or adherence 
to various multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade initiatives. The EU welcomes thus Moldova's accession to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, and to the regional WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  PanEuroMediterranean Convention on rules of origin. These initiatives strengthen further the 
economic reform path and the Republic of Moldova's integration in the international economy. 
4.12.  The EU notes Moldova's good progress as regards competition policy and in particular state 
aid/subsidy policy and commends the implementation of a state of the art notification system to 
follow up all state aid given in the country. The focus should now be on a robust enforcement of 
competition rules and policies, in accordance with international practices and standards.  
4.13.  The EU acknowledges Moldova's strong commitment to the multilateral trading system and 
welcomes its notification of Category A commit ments under the Agreement on Trade Facilitation; 
we would very much welcome the ratification of the TFA Protocol before the Nairobi Ministerial. 
4.14.  A word on our bilateral relationship. Moldova is an important market for many European 
companies. The EU is the first trading partner of Moldova and bilateral trade has continued to grow 
in the past five years, following the rebound after the 2009 economic crisis, and boosted by the 
signature of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement last year. The Association 
Agreement reaffirms our commitment to support the Republic of Moldova in its reform efforts. 
4.15.  The EU would also like to raise a few issues of concern, starting with a general remark on 
the general business climate. Enforcement of the rule of law, strong and independent institutions and a real level-playing field for all companies are key governance issues that need to be 
addressed if the Moldova is to unlock its economic and trade potential. These issues permeated 
also in the EU written questions. In particular, we see possibilities for strengthening the institutions overseeing the agricultural/SPS  reforms, transparency and banking sector. 
4.16.  In this respect, the EU would encourage further investment in the area of SPS and would 
like to ask Moldova what plans they have in order to advance the regulatory framework and 
infrastructure for animal health control. 
4.17.  Secondly, and more broadly, transparency and compliance with its notifications' obligations 
should be further strengthened. 
4.18.  As a last point, the EU is concerned about the rules in the services and banking sector and 
we would ask Moldova to elaborate on how the current banking crisis is affecting business lending 
in the country. 
4.19.  The EU is confident that this first exercise will help Moldova in the revision of its trade policy 
for ensuring most favourable conditions for attaining its economic objectives, while respecting its international commitments in this forum. 
4.20.  We would like to thank Moldova for the responses to the questions we have previously 
submitted in writing and wish the Moldovan delegation the utmost success during its first Trade Policy Review. 
CANADA 
4.21.  I congratulate the Republic of Moldova on completing its first Trade Policy Review since 
becoming the 142nd Member of the WTO. Indeed , as noted in the Secretariat's report, the 
Republic of Moldova has successfully transformed its centrally-planned economy to a functioning 
market economy to a functioning market economy since gaining independence in 1991, and in so doing Moldova has achieved macroeconomic stability and growth. 
4.22.  The Government of Canada recognizes that Mo ldova has reduced both its budgetary deficit 
and its current account deficit, even in the context of the global economic crisis. We note the 
expected rise of Moldova's overall budget deficit in 2015 and encourage the Government to continue its reforms to reduce its budgetary deficit to a level that can be sustained moving 
forward. Canada notes the crisis that Moldova faces in its banking sector. We recognize Moldova's 
resolve to deal with the crisis which requires an open and transparent process. 
4.23.  Canada also congratulates the Government of Mo ldova on the strong growth it has achieved 
in the past four years, averaging 5.4% per year . This growth was amongst the strongest in the WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  region and is the result of sound macroeconomic policies and structural reforms undertaken by 
Moldova. However, Canada notes the challenge of a 4.5% reduction in growth projections in 2015 and encourages Moldova to continue its reforms, including the privatization of certain social security systems, ongoing trade liberalization e fforts and diversification of export markets. 
4.24.  While we recognize that reform efforts are ongoing, we note that in 2014 Moldova ranked 
103 out of 175 countries on Transparency Intern ational's Corruption Perception survey and 63
rd of 
189 countries on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business survey. Continuing effort and increased 
determination are therefore required to address factors that inhibit Foreign Direct Investment, 
including governance issues, policy uncertainty, and limited access to financing. 
4.25.  Particularly, in the light of these challenges, Canada wishes to congratulate Moldova for the 
significant progress it has achieved towards its accession to the WTO Government Procurement 
Agreement. Moldova has engaged in its GPA accession negotiations with determination, showing 
true commitment to gaining the benefits of GPA membership, which include the opportunity to ensure its procurement regime meets high stan dards of transparency, openness, fairness and 
predictability. The reforms required for GPA accession will contribute to sound economic 
governance more broadly. Canada looks forward to welcoming Moldova as a fellow GPA partner in the very near future. 
4.26.  On the other hand, Canada has asked Moldova several specific questions regarding a 
number of areas where its trade policies do not co nvey similar positive signals, for example, 
licensing requirements, the apparent application of  tariffs in excess of bound rates, and technical 
barriers in the telecommunications sector. I appreciate the responses provided by Moldova, which 
we will carefully consider. 
4.27.  Nonetheless, I do commend Moldova for its sustained efforts, the success of its 
transformation, and the liberalization of its trade and investment regimes taken on at the time of 
its accession to the WTO. Canada encourages the Government to continue its reform agenda to 
address issues such as those raised in our questions affecting the business and investment 
environment to ensure the benefits of its market economy continue to be broadly shared among 
its citizens. 
4.28.  From a bilateral perspective, Canada welcomes the recent increase in our bilateral trade. 
While still modest, we look forward to continue d growth. We concluded negotiations towards a 
Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) in December 2013, and look 
forward to an expeditious completion of the legal review of the text. A bilateral FIPA will provide 
greater predictability and certainty for Canadian investors considering opportunities in Moldova. 
4.29.  In closing, this Trade Policy Review is encouraging in that Members recognize the efforts 
and progress Moldova has achieved, and useful through the comments and suggestions that 
various Members, including Canada, have provided to highlight areas for further improvements. We look forward to reviewing Moldova's further prog ress at your next trade policy review in only a 
few years' time. 
THE
 RUSSIAN  FEDERATION 
4.30.  The Russian delegation welcomes the first Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Moldova. 
We have no doubt that the present TPR will be mutually informative and practically useful both for 
the Republic of Moldova and for the whole WTO Membership. We believe that this first TPR of the 
Republic of Moldova will become an excellent mo nitoring exercise enhancing the transparency and 
enabling us to emphasize those elements in the Moldova's trade regime we are interested in or 
concerned about. 
4.31.  The Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova have a long history of trade and 
economic relations and have developed a broad, deep and robust bilateral cooperation spanning 
vast economic, trade and investment areas. The Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova 
share the membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as well as in CIS Treaty on a Free Trade Area.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  4.32.  On the bilateral track, over the years the Ru ssian Federation and the Republic of Moldova 
have been expanding mutual trade in many sectors, enhancing the solid base of our close economic partnership. During the recent years ou r trade turnover showed a slight upward trend, 
reaching the amount of US$1.8 billion in 2014. Clearly, it is far behind the existing economic 
potential of the Russian-Moldovan bilateral ties.  
4.33.  We note the continuous growth of the Moldova's economy with an average annual rate of 
5.4% during 2010-2014, which was among the strongest in the region due to both economic policy 
and market factors. However, growth has been vo latile reflecting vulnerability to climatic and 
geopolitical conditions; a contraction in economic activity of 1-2% is expected in 2015.  
4.34.  While we see some positive developments we have concerns about the certain aspects of 
the Moldova's trade regime. Some issues are still to be regulated in SPS sphere to avoid imbalance 
in the SPS measures application in the new trade conditions. 
4.35.  In order to increase transparency we encourag e the delegation of Moldova to provide more 
details regarding food safety documents in Moldova.  
4.36.  The other matter of our particular concern is amendments to the Law on payments relating 
to environmental pollution, which introduced an import surcharge on plastic packaging or "tetra pack". We submitted questions regarding this i ssue along with some other aspects of Moldova's 
trade policy. We look forward to receiving the answers and we will consider it thoroughly.  
THAILAND 4.37.  Although the bilateral trade between Thailand and the Republic of Moldova is still relatively 
small, which the average is US$4.16 million dollars during the past three years, there is great 
potential for the expansion of trade in goods, se rvices and investment between the two countries. 
We hope that our trade relationship will continue to grow bilaterally in the near future. 
4.38.  Thailand would like to commend the Republic of Moldova for the significant progress made 
in its trade reforms. We are pleased to note that  after a remarkable recovery of the Republic of 
Moldova form the economic crisis of 2009, the Republic of Moldova's real GDP growth has 
increased averaged 5.4% during 2010-2014, which was among the strongest in the region. 
4.39.  With regard to the multilateral trading system, Thailand appreciates the Republic of Moldova 
on its coordination in this Organization, including as members of Recently Acceded Members or RAMs; low-income economies in transition; and "W52" sponsors. We look forward to further cooperation with the Republic of Moldova and ot her Members in order to achieve an acceptable 
and meaningful outcome for the MC10 in December. 
4.40.  In this review, Thailand has submitted seve ral questions to the Republic of Moldova, 
covering the policies and measures of our interests regarding, among other things, the Republic of 
Moldova's custom procedure, intellectual proper ty, labelling and package requirement and custom 
valuation. We look forward to receiving the Republic of Moldova's responses in due course and will study them in detail with great interest. 
UNITED
 STATES 
4.41.  Moldova's economy faces many external and internal challenges including geopolitical 
pressures in its region and a loss of 15% GDP due to a billion dollar banking crisis. It has few natural resources and a relatively small economy. GDP per capita is one of the lowest in Europe, 
and it relies heavily on remittances from abroad. 
4.42.  Notwithstanding those challenges, since its independence in 1991, Moldova has been on a 
path of trade and economic liberalization, moving from a centrally-planned economy toward a 
market-driven economy. A critical step in that progression was Moldova's WTO accession in 2001. 
The Republic of Moldova has continued its support for the WTO principles, for example, by recently 
completing the negotiations to join the Government Procurement Agreement, for which we 
congratulate Moldova. In addition, we were please d to read that the Republic of Moldova continues WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  to support the multilateral trading system an d also endorses the Bali Package and the WTO 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation. 
4.43.  Changes to Moldova's trade and investment regime  have also been driven by its desire to 
join the European Union. The United States supports Moldova's pro-EU integration agenda. We 
believe that the implementation of the commitmen ts in the EU Association Agreement, including 
provisions of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement applied consistently with WTO rules, will bring results such as increased transp arency, reduced corruption, and improved rule of 
law to Moldova, goals that underscore the core pr incipals of the WTO. Attaining these objectives 
should improve Moldova's overall trade and investment environment. 
4.44.  The United States is working to support Moldova's economic revitalization through our 
bilateral trade relationship. In a year when Moldova lost access to some of its traditional markets, 
we have worked to expand the country's competitiveness on the U.S. market. Two recent reverse 
trade missions to the United States for Moldovan  wine producers exemplif y our mutual efforts. 
4.45.  While we see great potential in Moldova, significant structural reforms are needed to combat 
still prevalent corruption, and, in particular, address the crisis in the banking sector. Many of the 
questions we pose today reflect our desire to encourage Moldova to increase transparency and predictability in its business sector in order to attract much needed commercial engagement and 
foreign investment. 
4.46.  For example, we seek additional information on the sorts of entities subject to privatization. 
We support Moldova's goal of increased energy effi ciency and would like further details. Similarly, 
there appears to be some inconsistency in Moldova's treatment of branching in commercial 
establishment that should be addressed to ensu re it is fully implementing its Mode 4 GATS 
commitments. 
4.47.  Reducing tariffs has been a core objective of this Organization dating back to its GATT 
origins, yet both the Secretariat's and the Government's reports indicate that Moldova's applied 
rates have increased over the period of review. Moreover, some of Moldova's applied rates exceed 
their bound rates, in one case by as much as 22%.  We find this trend quite troubling. In addition, 
there are questions about the application of other duties and charges being applied at the border 
that may be discriminating against imports. 
4.48.  We are also concerned about "behind the border" restrictions, and note with interest the 
Secretariat's report's discussions of TBT and SPS measures. We hope that Moldova will not use its 
conformity assessment procedures or its SPS border inspections as a veiled barrier to imports. The 
Secretariat's report identifies some other areas of concern for hidden protectionism, for example in the administration of Moldova's Free Economic Zone s, the provision of certain incentives provided 
to investors and its regulation of "socially important products". 
4.49.  The United States has always advocated for strong intellectual property protection as critical 
to creating a business-friendly economy. We believe  that Moldova, In general, has a strong regime 
for protecting and enforcing of IPR, and that the regime will improve with implementation of the 
terms of the DCFTA. However, we encourage Moldova to take steps to strengthen its enforcement of IPR. 
4.50.  All told, Moldova is playing with a difficult hand, but we congratulate Moldova for its 
commitment to pursuing an open and investment regime. We believe that its continued move 
toward integration with the EU, and continued adhe rence to the rules and principles of the WTO, 
will bring Moldova a brighter future. We hope th at this discussion today will encourage Moldova's 
continuation of those policies and we look forward to continuing our work with Moldova to achieve 
those goals. 
MONTENEGRO 
4.51.  At the outset, Montenegro would like to associ ate itself with the statement of the European 
Union.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  4.52.  Montenegro would like to highlight Moldova's strong and continuous commitment to 
integrate into the world economy and its accession and participation in various multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade initiatives. In agreement with the Secretariat, Montenegro notes with appreciation that Moldova is equally committed to the multilateral trading system. In this regard, 
Montenegro notes that Moldova undertook extensive commitments upon its WTO accession 
(binding 100% of its tariff lines and making exte nsive specific commitments under the GATS). In 
addition, last month the Government Procurement Committee approved the terms of accession of 
Moldova to the GPA. My delegation would like to  take this opportunity to extend our warmest 
congratulations to Moldova for this achievement. 
4.53.  On reading the reports submitted by the Government of Moldova and the World Trade 
Organization Secretariat in advance of this meeting, Montenegro notes that although Moldovan 
economic performance remains variable, Moldova has successfully managed to maintain good 
economic growth throughout the Global Financial Crisis. It is encouraging to observe that Moldovan GDP between the years 2010–2014 averag ed 5.4%. It is also worth noting the 
Government of Moldova's result in reducing its current account deficit, as percentage of GDP, from 
8.2% in 2009 to 5.7% in 2014. By all accounts these are impressive achievements.  
4.54.  Of particular interest to Montenegro is the Government of Moldova's foreign policy aim of 
joining the European Union, which was confirmed by signing of Association Agreement with the EU 
in 2014. As the leading candidate for the membership  to the EU, Montenegro firmly believes that 
Moldova's process of accession to the European Union will add an important transformational 
power to its economy and its society as a whole and will help dealing with some of the economic 
and revitalization challenges. 
4.55.  Current trade and economic relationship betw een Moldova and Montenegro are modest with 
the possibility to be broadened both bilaterally and within the existing regional frameworks of 
cooperation. To this end, I would like to highlight that recent intensive diplomatic activities 
between our Governments have resulted in signing, first, the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and, second, the Bilateral Agreement on  Mutual Incentives and Investment Protection, 
which entered into force in June of this year. Likewise, there has been a strong interest to expend 
cooperation in the sector of tourism. Montenegro  also believes that Regional Trade Agreement 
within CEFTA, South-East European Cooperation process and Energy Community Treaty are additional important frameworks to enhance cooperation between our two countries on the bases 
of regional projects for economic and social  development, energy, energy efficiency and 
infrastructure. In addition, Montenegro will continue to follow with particular interest further improvements to the business climate in the Repu blic of Moldova as envisaged in the current 
Regulatory Framework Reform Strategy on Entrep reneurship Activity in 2013-2020. Finally, my 
Government stands ready to enhance cooperation and to further support Moldova's path towards the EU. 
4.56.  To conclude, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing constructive engagement with the 
delegation of Moldova in Geneva and my distinguished colleague Ambassador Victor Moraru. We wish Moldova every success in its first Trade Policy Review. 
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.57.  Moldova has been continuously implementing a full programme of economic reform 
measures and throughout this time it has become an outward-oriented economy. Its economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.4% ov er the years between 2010 and 2014, which was 
among the strongest in the region. While it may be experiencing a slowdown in growth at the 
present time, Moldova seems to have taken most of the actions needed to deal with these new challenges. 
4.58.  As far as trade policy is concerned, we are encouraged by the fact that Moldova is a strong 
advocate of the rules-based multilateral tradin g system, as embodied in the WTO. The trade 
policies practiced by its Government, including its commitments undertaken on becoming a WTO Member, appear to be helping Moldova to reach its development goals. 
4.59.  We are also pleased that Moldova will become a full-fledged party to the Agreement on 
Government Procurement very soon. We urge Moldova to implement the revised Law on Public WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  Procurement in time and to establish a domestic review body for supplier complaints. We stand 
ready to share our experiences in this regard or in the field of government procurement. 
4.60.  Like us, Moldova is a member of the Group of  Recently Acceded Members (the RAMs) and as 
coordinator of the Group we naturally continue to  work closely with the Moldovan Mission her in 
the WTO. 
4.61.  At the bilateral front, Moldova and we have a modest trading relationship with two-way 
trade in goods of approximately US$15.6 million in 2014. We are convinced there is enormous 
potential for further expanding the volumes of trade and investment between us in the future. 
PARAGUAY 4.62.  We welcome Moldova's participation in this exercise, at a time when the country is enjoying 
sound economic performance and its trade is expanding. The Moldovan economy has recovered 
significantly after the global financial and econom ic crisis of 2008, as evidenced by a rate of 
economic growth that is one of the highest in th e region. It should also be noted that Moldova 
began its current process of transformation to a market economy, with a stable and predictable 
trade policy, very early on. This is reflected in the extensive commitments undertaken in its 
Protocol of Accession, with 100% of its tariff universe bound and 95% covered by ad valorem  
tariffs. 
4.63.  Moldova's most notable successes have been the introduction of reforms to the concessions 
regime, the protection of foreign investment and a good platform of alliance between the public 
and private sectors. 
4.64.  However, like other delegations, we are aware that the Government of Moldova still faces a 
number of challenges, such as improving the notification system, implementing sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures and restructuring the financial sector. 
4.65.  I would also like to point out that Moldova and Paraguay share similar features in that both 
countries are situated in booming parts of the world, are surrounded by large countries, and have 
no direct access to the sea. Moldova is one of Paraguay's strategic allies in the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries in both the WTO and UNCTAD. This was reflected in the Group's 
active participation in the Trade Facilitation Agreement negotiations. 
4.66.  During the period under review, trade flows between Paraguay and Moldova remained 
well below potential, and we therefore see this as a matter on which our governments should place greater emphasis. 
4.67.  To conclude, it should be pointed out that Paraguay and Moldova share the same vision as 
regards the future of the multilateral trading system. Both countries are in favour of the swift implementation of the Trade Facilitation Ag reement and a meaningful, development-centred 
outcome at the Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. 
ALBANIA 4.68.  Albania expresses its satisfaction learning that, since the Membership of the Republic of 
Moldova to the WTO in 2001, the country has realized  the full liberalization of its import and export 
regime of goods, and the Government is engaged for further orientation of trade policy on liberalization and harmonization with the elimination of all non-tariff barriers.  
4.69.  Albanian would like to congratulate the Moldova Government economic performance 
highlighting that, the current account deficit, as percentage of GDP, decreased from 8.2% in 2009 
to 5.5% in 2014 as well as the sound economic reforms undertaken which resulted to a remarkable recovery in 2010-2014 years by a real GDP growth rate averaged 4.9%. 
4.70.  The signature of Association Agreement (AA) of  the Republic of Moldova with the EU which 
leads to the process of acquis communautaires app lication, so facilitating the implementation of 
international trade standards and enhancing the Moldova economy integration into the WTO 
system.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  4.71.  Moldova is a small country and country with a transition economy. In addition, Moldova is 
affected by the global financial and economic crisis . Therefore, by this review, we expect to look 
with high interest the economic and trade policies as well as relevant mechanism undertaken by the Government of Moldova in the area of trade and development. 
4.72.  In this frame, we see that improvements to the business climate in the country by approval 
of the Regulatory Framework Reform Strategy fo r Entrepreneurial Activity, and the Innovation 
Strategy of Moldova for 2013-2020, aims to e nhance the country's competitiveness and improve 
the institutional framework for research, development and innovation and the allocation and 
management of financial resources to this effect.  
4.73.  In particular, Albania commends the business climate in the Republic of Moldova which has 
been positively impacted by adapting and developing a quality infrastructure through the 
transposition of the European quality standards into national standards, as well as the adoption of 
the National Action Plan for the implementation  of the AA aiming to improve the business 
environment and the private investment.  
4.74.  Taking into account the national potential for exportation, Albania encourages the 
Government Program for promoting of exports and the development of sectors with potential comparative and competitive advantages. This scope along with reforms in the social security, 
health systems, and privatization should constitu te further steps ahead to sustainable growth and 
enhancing the contribution of the country to the intensification of economic cooperation and integration in the region and EU market. 
JAPAN 
4.75.  Japan is aware that the amount of trade between Japan and Moldova up to now has been 
relatively small. Despite this relatively limited economic relationship, Japan has continuously provided Moldova with various kinds of aid with  a view to supporting democracy and sustainable 
economic growth in the country.  
4.76.  Although Moldova experienced economically di fficult times after its independence in 1991, 
the country has shown robust economic growth since the 2000s. Furthermore, Moldova has 
successfully kept inflation rates and unemployment rates at a relatively low level. Japan positively 
evaluates Moldova's sound macroeconomic policies, which have been successful in promoting robust economic growth. 
4.77.  However, on the other hand, high vulnerability to exogenous shocks such as fluctuations of 
climate and trade partners' economies have cont inued to affect the Moldovan economy. For 
instance, Moldova was negatively impacted by the droughts of 2009 and 2012. We also know that 
remittances from overseas workers account for 22% of Moldova's GDP, and fluctuations in those 
remittances have also led to instability in the Moldovan economy. 
4.78.  In order to address the problem with vulnerability to external shocks, priority must be 
placed on economic reforms facilitating diversification of industries and trade partners. We are 
aware that Moldova issued its national development strategy, namely "Moldova 2020," in 2012. 
Under this strategy, Moldova plans to increase pr oductivity and competitiveness by developing its 
economy and human resources. We, Japan, commend Moldova's efforts to diversify its economy, and encourage Moldova to thoroughly implement this strategy 
4.79.  The Secretariat also mentioned that Moldova has recently been actively participating in 
negotiations about RTAs. On that topic, Moldova has 14 RTAs in force with 45 partners. One of the key RTAs among them is Moldova's Association Agreement with the EU, which includes the DCFTA. 
Japan recognizes that the DCFTA covers various policy areas and enables Moldovan legislation to 
more closely resemble that of the EU acquis. Wh ile the DCFTA has not yet been fully enforced at 
this time, Japan commends Moldovan efforts to further trade liberalization, and hopes that the 
DCFTA will contribute to diversifying the Moldov an economy, and, moreover, will contribute to 
stability in the region. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  CHINA 
4.80.  The first impression we have is that Moldova has fully recovered from the global economic 
crisis and its growth averaged more than 5% in the past years which was attributed to its sound macroeconomic policies and structural reforms. However, Moldova is still facing some short and 
long term challenges such as increased unemployment, budget deficit, headline inflation and 
vulnerability to climate external conditions.  
4.81.  With Moldova's National Development Strategy 2012-2020 in operation, we expect Moldova 
to take more concrete measures to improve its business climate and diverse its economy.  
4.82.  Moldova has embraced to the multilateral trading system by joining this Organization. Such 
as China, Moldova has made extensive and deep commitments in tariffs, services and other trading areas.  
4.83.  In the recent years, it has taken further measures to simplify customs procedures, in 
particular notifying its Category A agreements on tr ade facilitation last year . We hope that Moldova 
could complete its domestic ratification process of TFA as soon as possible to set another good 
example for the Membership. 
4.84.  Moreover, we expect Moldova to join efforts with all Members to contribute to the success of 
the Nairobi Ministerial Conference and to conclu de the Doha Development Agenda in accordance 
with its mandate as early as possible. 
4.85.  This year marks the 23
rd anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship 
between China and Moldova. Bilateral economic ties continue to deepen in a rapid and profound manner. According to our statistics, our bilateral trade has increased to US$140 million last year, 
with an increase of 7% per year. Bilateral investment remains modest in the past years with 
Chinese investments focusing on trade, catering business and medical services. 
4.86.  I am happy to say that we have determined to launch the feasibility studies of bilateral free 
trade agreements and we are equally confident that wi th belt initiatives, both countries will further 
enjoy the potential of bilateral economic cooperation. 
4.87.  Having said that, we look forward to more information from Moldova on its trade policies 
and practices, in particular measures to attract foreign investments, licensing requirements, 
considerations for free trade agreements, and incentives for free trade zones. 
PAKISTAN 4.88.  We fully acknowledge the hard work undertake n by the Moldovan Government since 1991. 
Moving from a close economy to an open market is indeed laudable by all standards and we 
commend the Government and the people of Moldova for their robust growth. 
4.89.  Having said that, we fully acknowledge the Moldovan's commitments towards the 
multilateral system and the TFA submission of its Category A notifications as recognized by several 
Members who spoke before us. We appreciate th e opening of the market by Moldova and its 
accession to the GPA and, of course, by all stan dards, the Moldovan trade agenda 2020 that goes 
a long way in addressing challenges that are critical to trade governance. Corruptions, 
strengthening of governance, agricultural reforms,  TBT and SPS measures, banking sector have all 
been identified by the Secretariat report as ar eas where there is room for improvement and we 
expect that Moldova is ready to go forward. At the same time, we expect more robust inclination 
towards supporting the multilateral system in order to ensure that the upcoming 10
th Ministerial is 
a success. 
4.90.  We are confident that Moldova has performed be st ever since its accession to the WTO in 
2001, the same year of the DDA and we expect that  it will do better. We wish Moldova and its 
people a very successful TPR. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS 
5.1.  First of all, let me express my sincere gratitude to all delegations which have shown a 
substantial interest on the TPR of the Republic of Moldova, especially to all the delegations of the 
WTO which have been taking the floor on Monday: Brazil, the EU, Canada, the Russian Federation, 
Thailand, the United States, Montenegro, Chinese Taipei, Paraguay, Albania, Japan, China and Pakistan. 
5.2.  In this context, in order to cover the raised questions, our delegation has systematized the 
answers in a consolidated document which is available to you. Most of the answers to your questions have already been presented directly to you, but there are some of them I would like to present today. 
5.3.  With regard to the market access on goods, mainly customs tariffs (questions raised by the 
EU, Canada, the United States and the Russian Fede ration), it is important to highlight that on 
1 January 2015, the Law Approving the Combined Nomenclature of Goods (No. 172 of 
25 July 2014) entered into force and it is fully ha rmonized with the EU Combined Nomenclature.  
5.4.  We are aware that there are 27 tariff lines at 8-digit level where MFN applied tariff rates 
exceed bound rates when using ad valorem  equivalents based on 2013 import data. Taking this 
opportunity, I want to point out that the Republic of Moldova confirms its intention to adjust the 
customs duties that exceed the MFN bound rates negotiated upon accession to the WTO. A number 
of bilateral consultations have already been made  with some WTO Members in this respect. Thus, 
amendments will be made to the country's fiscal policy for the next year in order to achieve this 
objective. 
5.5.  Referring to the customs clearance improvements (questions addressed by Thailand, the 
United States and the EU), it is relevant to mention a number of recent improvements done by 
Moldova's customs office such as: Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Program; implementation 
of one stop shop principle; modernisation of the ASYCUDA world programme with support of experts from UNECE; electronic declaration and customs clearance on imports and exports. 
Moreover, there is a unique platform of commu nication between customs officers and other 
institutions related to trade such as the Chamber of licence, the fiscal authority, etc. 
5.6.  General benefits for the improvements refers to: implementations of the provisions of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreements of the WTO, fast and efficient crossing border, supply chain 
predictability related to customs controls, saving time and reducing operational costs for crossing 
the border (reducing operational costs for cross border traffic). 
5.7.  Currently, it is being developed the database on the Integrated Customs Tariff of the Republic 
of Moldova (TARIM) which will contain all tariff and economic policy measures applied to goods 
imported to/exported from the Republic of Moldova. TARIM will be available directly on the website of the Customs Service (www.customs.gov.md) wher e will be presented the detailed information 
on tariff quotas, tariff preferences (including quotas and bound tariffs), anti-dumping duties, 
prohibitions and restrictions on import, prohibitions and restrictions on export, as well as other tariff and economic policy measures applicable to goods imported to/exported from the Republic of Moldova. 
5.8.  Referring to licensing procedures (subjects rais ed by Canada, the Russian Federation and the 
United States), I would like to note that there are 48 activities subject to licensing which are listed in the Law No. 451 of 2001 on Regulation by Licensing of Entrepreneurial Activities.  
5.9.  As to the issue of own consideration related to the easy access in carrying out the activities 
subject to regulation by licensing, we consider th at the process is a transparent one, with rules, 
timeframes, situations that imply the issue of prescriptions, suspension/removal of licenses 
stipulated by the legal provisions and with possibilities of online application via the information 
system E-licensing, the elements being in comp liance with regulatory reform started to be 
implemented in Moldova since 2006. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.10.  In the context of the legal provisions set in the Law No. 451 of 2001 on Regulation by 
Licensing of Entrepreneurial Activities, the Chamber assures equal conditions to the license applicants, regardless of the type of their ownership and legal form of organization.  
5.11.  I want to point out some particularities of the Moldovan licensing system for the importation 
of white sugar. This licensing system is applicable for sugar imported into Moldova under FTAs and 
related TRQs. This was adopted within the framework on the import flows' monitoring and control, system and does not represent a trade-distortive measure.  
5.12.  The system of administration of tariff contingencies (on import) is in the competence of the 
Customs Service and is based on the FIFO (first in, first out) principle, based on the registration of 
the customs declaration in the information system Asycuda World.  
5.13.  Concerning the legal framework on social important products (question raised by the United 
States), in the report of the Working Group on accession, the Republic of Moldova continued to 
apply such mechanism of limitation of the profit ability margin for a limited number of goods with 
social importance (bread, milk, oil, sugar, etc.) till the principles of fair price will start to work on 
internal market.  
5.14.  I am pleased to inform you that an initiative of the Government to review this mechanism 
until the end of the current year exists.  
5.15.  In the energy sector, the Republic of Mold ova has achieved the following progress:  
5.16.  Since 2010, the Republic of Moldova became a member of the European Union Community 
and this expects to be a lot of commitments, the first being to harmonize and to implement the best international practices and to adopt the new legislation in all areas related to energy sector, 
as well as doing an institutional reform related to this sector, and to improve our infrastructure in 
order to be interconnected with the European system or infrastructure related to energy. 
5.17.  In this respect, I will mention the following drafts of law and government decisions which 
have been already promoted, all of them being consulted with the Secretariat Energy Community: 
 The draft law on electricity which is part of the 3rd Energy Package provisions which has 
already being adopted by the Government on 7 October 2015 and presented to the 
Parliament for approval, expecting adoption in Quarter IV 2015. 
 The draft Law on natural gas as part of the 3r d Energy Package provisions being adopted on 
21 October 2015 by the Government and is pres ented to the Parliament, expecting adoption 
in Quarter IV 2015. 
5.18.  Institutional reforms: according to the requirements of the legislation on energy market 
liberalization, the activity on energy distribution was separated from the activity on energy supply. 
These requirements entered into force on 1 January  2015. In accordance to them, the distributing 
companies will be engaged exclusively in distribution  of electricity, while the new enterprise in its 
supplying would appear. 
5.19.  Tariffs for electricity and natural gas: following the public consultations meeting done in 
17-18 July 2015 organized by our independent Energy Regulator, the Administration Council has 
approved new regulated tariffs for electricity/natural gas distribution and supply to the final consumers, entered into force on 31 July 2015.  
5.20.  Moreover, the draft Law for removable sources of energy elaborated in line with best 
international practices has been adopted by Parliament in first reading and is ready for final 
approval.  
5.21.  The Republic of Moldova is engaged in a number of infrastructural projects related to 
interconnection of the national system into EU one, in particular into the Romanian system of 
energy for supplier of natural gas and electricity based on back-to-back principle. All necessary 
feasibility studies have been done. The contraction of the pipeline for natural gas and lines for 
electricity will start next year and are expected to be finished by 2018.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.22.  Free economic zones and industrial parks. In the Republic of Moldova there are seven free 
economic zones and 12 industrial parks. During the last few years, the trade regime of the 
Republic of Moldova has focused largely on export promotion. In this regard, the Government adopted a new legislation related to free economic zones and industrial products which is in line 
with the international best practices. In 2014, almost 80% of the goods and services produced in 
the FEZs were exported, i.e. 9% of Moldovan expo rts. Enterprises registered in the Republic of 
Moldova (local and foreign), different from those es tablished in FEZs and/or industrial parks also 
benefit from certain incentives such as reduction of the taxable income and other tax deductions. 
5.23.  Enterprises registered in the Republic of Moldova (local and foreign), including those 
established in Free Economic Zones and/or industrial parks, benefit from various incentives in accordance with the Tax Code and other fiscal legislation. 
5.24.  In general, FEZs are created for a period of 25-30 years and offer, inter alia , the following 
incentives: (i) exemption from VAT; (ii) exemption from customs duties on goods imported into the FEZ and subsequently exported; (iii) exemption from excise duties on goods imported into the 
FEZ and subsequently exported; (iv) entities established in the FEZ which export goods and 
services from FEZ to outside the customs territo ry of the Republic of Moldova or deliver the 
produced goods to other FEZ residents for goods to be exported are entitled to a 50% exemption 
of corporate income tax (CIT) payment ; and (v) the income obtained from exports of goods and 
services originating from the FEZ to outside the customs territory of the Republic of Moldova or 
from supply of the produced goods to other FEZ residents for goods to be exported is CIT exempted for a period of three years (five years) , provided the FEZ residents invested a capital 
equivalent of at least US$1 million (US$5 million) in fixed assets of their enterprises and/or in the 
development of infrastructure of the FEZ. In addition, investors in FEZs are guaranteed and protected against changes in legislation for a period of up to 10 years.  
5.25.  There are a lot of questions related to agriculture, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and 
about the perspectives concerning food security. In  this respect, I will ask my colleague from the 
Ministry of agriculture, Mr Vlad Loghin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, to provide additional 
answers related to the agriculture sector. 
Mr Vlad Loghin, Ministry of Agricu lture of the Republic of Moldova 
5.26.  I would like to refer to some questions raised by the EU, the United States, the Russian 
Federation and Brazil with regard to the sanitary  and phytosanitary aspects of our activity in the 
Republic of Moldova. 
5.27.  The organization which is responsible for this sector is the National Food Safety Agency 
(NFSA), which is a relatively new organization (2010). It is the administrative authority under the 
Government of the Republic of Moldova responsibl e for implementing the state policy of regulation 
and control of food safety and sanitary veterina ry field, animal husbandry, plant protection and 
phytosanitary quarantine, seed, primary products, f ood and feed quality control, and for ensuring 
compliance with the WTO SPS Agreement.  
5.28.  Imports and exports of goods are regulated by the following acts: 
 Government Decision No. 1408 of 10 December 2008 annex 2 (veterinary norms 
establishing certain fundamental principles of organization of veterinary checks on the 
import and sale of products of animal origin). 
 Government Decision No. 1408 of 10 December 2008 on health and veterinary rules 
regarding veterinary controls on animal imports. 
5.29.  Importation in the phytosanitary field is regulated by Government Decision No. 594 of 
2 August 2011 regarding the approval of special requirements for the introduction and movement 
of plants, plant products and other objects on  the territory of the Republic of Moldova. 
5.30.  The customs allows the entry (as transit or impo rt) or exit from the Republic of Moldova (as 
export or transit) of the means transporting live animals, germinal material, products and by-products of animal or plant origin, subject to sanitary veterinary supervision and control, only WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  after they have received the approval from the official veterinarian or phytosanitary inspector at 
the sanitary veterinary border inspection point within customs.  
5.31.  To receive the above mention approval, the ec onomic operators shall submit the following 
documents: 
a) the sanitary veterinary/phytosanitary certificate; 
b) where applicable, the certificate of quality; 
c) quality certificate if it is issued by the manufacturer; and 
d) the sanitary veterinary opinion issued by the Agency. 
5.32.  Normally, when a partner country's animal health situation deteriorates, an import ban is 
imposed and the respective country's veterinary serv ices is informed. Upon receipt of report from 
that country's veterinary service that the threat is gone the ban is lifted. 
5.33.  Concerning food security, I would like to hi ghlight that in 2009, the Republic of Moldova 
created a State Cereals Reserve to guard against possible market shortages and to ensure the nations. The relevant reserve stocks are established and managed by Government decisions; stock 
replenishment is done at market prices and on competitive terms. According to the authorities, the 
size of the reserve stocks (some 60,000 tonnes) is  too small to influence prices on the Moldovan 
market. A severe drought in 2012 prompted the Government to make available 31,940 tonnes of 
wheat from the Reserve in the form of an in-kind loan to bakeries in order to prevent a surge in 
bread prices; beneficiaries had to restore the quantity received within 4-5 months. 
5.34.  Furthermore, in order to fulfil the commitments taken by the Republic of Moldova in the 
WTO, the Ministry of Environment will promot e a new project to establish a system for the 
application of economic instruments related to environmental issues and strategic objectives 
established in this regard. Accordingly, it is important to note that these economic instruments are to be applied uniformly on local producers and products, as well as importers and imported 
products.  
5.35.  With regard to the market access on services, I would like to highlight the strengthening of 
the National Commission for Financial Market's (NCFM) abilities, the Single Central Securities 
Depository. 
5.36.  On 3 July 2015, the Parliament has adopted the Law No. 136 by which have been operated 
amendments to the Law on the National Commission for Financial Markets, Administrative Code and Civil Procedure Code to provide NCFM with the ability to enforce supervisory and regulatory 
actions in a timely manner (addressing, for instance, problems ensuing from the Constitutional 
Court rulings). 
5.37.  On 15 October 2015, the Government has appr oved the draft Law amending the Law on 
NBM, Law on NCFM and Capital Market Law which contain provisions: 
 regarding organizational, functional, operatio nal and financial independence of NCFM and 
legal protection of NCFM members of the Board and employees; 
 regarding the normative acts issued by NCFM  which are not subject to legal expertise 
provided by the Ministry of Justice; and 
 regarding the establishment, regulation and supervision of the Single Central Securities 
Depository which activity is regulated according to the provisions of the Capital Market Law.  
5.38.  On 28 May 2015, the Parliament has approved the Law No. 117 on taking provisional 
measures on the capital market which provides th at the transmission of the securities holders' 
register of public interest entities will take place after the establishment of Central Securities 
Depository and clearing and settlement function until that moment will be conducted by National 
Securities Depository. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  Transparency of shareholders 
5.39.  The NCFM has developed and is currently promoting the amendments to the Law on 
insurance in order to re-evaluate shareholders of insurance companies to ensure the identification of ultimate beneficiaries. The provisions of the law refer to the transparency of shareholders of 
insurance companies and criteria for assessing the potential significant shareholder. Thus, in order 
to establish the transparency of insurers (reinsurers) shareholders, it is necessary to qualify the criteria and the process of prudential assessment to provide legal certainty, clarity and 
predictability as the necessary criteria in the evaluation of potential shareholder. 
5.40.  The expected result following the implementa tion of the proposed amendments is to 
improve the regulatory and supervisory framework of insurers (reinsurers) activity in the Republic of Moldova through: 
 knowing the shareholder benefiting from the insurance activities in Moldova; 
 continuous monitoring of the insurers' shareholders; 
 accountability of existing and potential shareholders; and 
 strengthening the financial capacity of insurers (reinsurers) in order to avoid system 
instability. 
5.41.  As it was mentioned in the Secretariat report, the National Commission for Financial Markets 
(NCFM) regulates and supervises most non-bank financial services segments, the securities 
market, the insurance market, non-State pension funds, and "credit history bureaux".  
5.42.  The NCFM is in charge of licensing savings and credit associations (SCAs), as well as 
monitoring microfinance organizations (MFOs) for statistical purposes. Leasing activities remain 
neither licensed nor supervised. The authorities affirm that there are plans to bring both 
microcredit and leasing activities under stricter regulatory scrutiny by the NCFM. The Republic of 
Moldova does not have legislation for offshore financial institutions. Recent legislative 
developments include the adoption of amendm ents aimed at clarifying the mechanism for 
appealing the NCFM's regulatory and supervisory decisions.   
5.43.  Currently, there are more than 30 legal acts intended to ensure and complete the internal 
legal framework, which are under  the process of elaboration. 
Achievements 5.44.  The Law No. 106 of 28 May 2015 was adopted. It contains provisions to ensure effective 
protection of investors, as well as of other consumers. 
5.45.  The Practical Guide for the detection of fraud, abuse, manipulation on the financial market 
was developed. 
5.46.  The NCFM has signed the Contract related to the Twining project "Development and 
consolidation of the National Commission for Financial Markets' operational and institutional 
capacities in the field of prudential regulation and supervision". 
5.47.  About the banking sector – a vital issue raised by the EU delegation and the United States, 
we would like to inform you that on 25 July 2014, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova 
approved the Law No. 180 which amends and supplem ents some legislative acts, including the Law 
on Financial Institutions and the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova. This Law, developed by the NBM, aims to strengthen the national regula tory framework related to the transparency and 
quality of bank ownership and improves the sancti ons regime in the banking sector. Through this 
act the definition for qualifying holding was chan ged – from 5% to 1%. The respective amendment 
shall determine the owners who have a good professi onal reputation and legally acquired shares in 
banks to declare their interests within the bankin g system and to consolidate their shareholdings, 
as well as shall discourage non-transparent transactions with shares from different banks.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.48.  NBM applies measures on a permanent basis to  enhance the level of bank's shareholders 
transparency. According to recommendations from the Financial Sector Assessment Program - FSAP Technical Note on Corporate governance review, as from 1 October 2015, a new unit has been established in the National Bank of Moldova:  "Monitoring of shareholders transparency". One 
of its objectives is to ensure sound and pruden t ownership structure of commercial banks and the 
permanent compliance with the requirements on the suitability of shareholders as well as 
determine whether they are acting in concert (in the same bank or between banks) and to verify 
the level of compliance with the legal provisions. To improve the efficiency of the unit in the 
direction of not admitting in the ownership structure of commercial banks the persons who do not meet the requirements of a quality shareholder, a specially designated software and a database will be developed and purchased until the end of 2016. 
5.49.  The Parliament approved the amendments to the Law on Financial Institutions (in force as of 
5 April 2013) aimed at creating a legal framework that would allow to oversee the banks' eligible shareholders; to monitor harmful changes in the banks' shareholders, as well as to ensure the 
necessary tools for a prompt intervention of the supervisory authority at all stages of shareholding 
in order to avoid instability, risks and disrupti ons in the banking system. Thus, these amendments 
provide for the key definition "proposed acquirer", "beneficial owner", "control" relationship, 
"acquisition/indirect holding", "parent undertaki ng", as well as completed the law with the 
provisions relating to:  
 restrictions on holding equity interests in the social capital of banks being covered any 
modalities of acquiring or increasing a significant equity interest in the bank's capital;  
 the relevant sanctions for acquiring /holding of equity interest without the NBM permission 
(i.e. suspension of the rights resulting from holding the equity interests in the bank's capital, followed by obligation of the acquirer to dispose shares);  
 the NBM power to assess the fitness and properness of the qualifications, reputation, 
experience, and financial soundness of the proposed acquirer with the financial stability objective of the banking system; and 
 restriction to become bank's shareholders to residents of the jurisdictions that do not 
implement the international standards of transparency in order to protect the integrity of the banking system and to avoid the penetration in  the banks' shareholders of individuals who 
can exercise a harmful effect on the banking policies, strategies and business, as well as on 
the banks' interaction within the banking system, etc.  
5.50.  It is important to mention that on 15 of Oc tober 2015, the Government of the Republic of 
Moldova has adopted the Draft Law amending certain legal acts, referring to the National Bank of 
Moldova.  
5.51.  This draft contains provisions concerning the insurance of transparency and stipulates that 
during the public consultation process, the NBM's draft regulations will be mandatory submitted to 
the Ministry of Justice for examination and the examination term may not exceed five days. 
Further, the National Bank of Moldova will submit its normative acts, after adoption, to the Ministry 
of Justice for registration in the Registry of normative acts. Also, I would like to point out that the registration shall not require additional legal expertise and shall not be conditional to the 
examination in the consultation process' outcome.  
5.52.  As related to the railway sector, to ensure that Moldova's state railway Company plays 
according to fair market rules, the Republic of Moldova has a restructuring plan, which is 
supported financially by EBRD with US$100 mln. Its main aspect is to reform the existing 
organizational framework so as to divide the functions (i.e. regulation, certification, registration of railway vehicles, investigation of accidents, etc.) between several authorities. In this context, new 
public bodies will be created, namely the Railway Transport Agency and the Investigation Agency. 
Moreover, it will be necessary to amend the na tional legislation by transposing the European 
standards and liberalising access in this important sector.  
5.53.  Postal services (an issue of interest for some delegations like Canada, the United States and 
the EU), I would like to emphasize that the State retains monopoly only for postal services, in WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  particular letters up to 2000 g. According to our international commitments under AA/DCFTA with 
EU, starting with 2016 the Republic of Moldova will keep monopoly only for letters up to 350 g. All other postal services will be liberalized.  
5.54.  We have some information regarding the intellectual property sector and about the latest 
developments in this sector. In this respect, I want  to give the floor to our representative from our 
state agency related to IPR, Ms Liliana Vieru, to present you some short but concrete information. 
Ms Liliana Vieru, State Intellectual Proper ty Agency of the Republic of Moldova 
5.55.  Let me start by expressing my appreciation to you Chair and his Excellency, Ambassador 
Juan Esteban Aguirre, for the thoughtful analysis of the situation in the Republic of Moldova as to economic and intellectual property issues.  
5.56.  Likewise, I wish to thank the WTO Secretariat for preparing a very comprehensive and 
detailed report that offers a general overview of IP system as well.  
5.57.  While subscribing to the statements made by my  delegation, I would like to highlight some 
important issues related to the commercial aspects of intellectual property.  
5.58.  We learned with thanks the appreciation made  by the distinguished delegations of the EU, 
the United States, Canada, Thailand, etc. as to th e Republic of Moldova achievements in different 
fields of economy, including the IP sector and took  note of the concerns expressed by the speakers 
as to the challenges ahead.  
5.59.  With reference to intellectual property, may I reiterate that the Republic of Moldova, since 
its independence, worked hard to build-up a modern, comprehensive intellectual property system in line with international standards. The Republic of Moldova has signed most of the international 
conventions in the area of Intellectual Property, being a signatory party to all WIPO administrated 
treaties, including the Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms Against Unauthorized Duplication of Their Phonograms (so called Geneva Phonogram Convention).  
5.60.  Declaring the European integration as a vector of its foreign policy, it harmonized its 
legislation in line with the provisions of the international conventions and the relevant EU Directives and Regulations as part of our country's commitment within the EU-Moldova DCFTA 
agreement, and the process is still on-going.  
5.61.  Thus, in answering the questions raised by the distinguished delegations of the 
European Union, the United States and Thailand, we have to state that we started the modernization of our IP legislation as part of the negotiations for WTO accession. In the years 
2007-2010, another in-depth modernization of th e IP regulatory framework was undertaken and 
the Moldovan IP laws were harmonized with EU legislation, including the IPR Enforcement Directive 2004/48/EC, thus ensuring the compliance of  Moldovan legislation with TRIPS provisions, 
in line with the best EU practices (the so-called TRIPS plus approach).  
5.62.  To answer the challenges of the modern societ y (globalization, digitalization, etc.) and to 
keep path with the international and European deve lopments in the field, we continue to improve 
our IP legislation. Amendments to the copyright law and other IP laws are under development. 
They refer in particular to the term of protecti on of copyright, collective management system 
transparency and accountability, breeder's righ ts enforcement mechanism (including the Farm 
Save Seed rules), etc.  
5.63.  Moreover, all the bilateral or regional agreemen ts signed by the Republic of Moldova are in 
strict conformity with international legislation, in particular TRIPS Agreement.  
5.64.  We are pleased to report that one of the la st bilateral agreements negotiated by our 
Government with the European Patent Organisation and providing for validation of the European 
patents on the territory of the Republic of Mold ova will enter into force on 1 November 2015.  
5.65.  With reference to regulatory body in IP f iled, the only state authority responsible for 
granting IP protection on the territory of th e Republic of Moldova is the State Agency for WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  Intellectual Property (AGEPI). It covers all IP rights, including industrial property (trademarks, 
patents, plant varieties, design, indicators of or igin, and topographies of integrated circuits) and 
copyright (including related rights). In the Repub lic of Moldova copyright is subject to voluntary 
registration with the AGEPI.  
5.66.  AGEPI, in exercising its mandate receives and examines applications and grants title of IP 
protection for both national and foreign applicants seeking IP protection in the Republic of Moldova. It acts and operates also as a receiving office for international registration systems 
administrated by WIPO: Madrid, the Hague and Lisbon, and PCT.  
5.67.  Considering the principle of territoriality of in dustrial property rights (patents, trademarks, 
designs, etc.) and their acquisition through a registration system with the national IP office, in order to benefit from IP protection, a foreign company shall apply for and be granted an IP right 
by the State Agency for Intellectual Property.  
5.68.  With reference to the mediation in the field of IP, we have to mention that a specialized 
Commission for Mediation and Arbitration in the IP field was established in 2015. The activity of 
Mediation Commission is regulated by the Law No. 137/2007 on mediation and the Government 
Decision No. 184/ 2015 on the Regulation on the organization and functioning of the Mediation 
Commission.  
5.69.  The Regulation settles the principles of Mediation Commission activity, the requirements for 
the mediators and the procedure to be followed. Once signed by the parties involved in the litigation, the mediation agreement became mandatory for all parties. If a party is not fulfilling its obligations under the signed mediation agreement, the other party could enforce it in court.  
5.70.  With reference to the Enforcement of IPR, as already mentioned, our legislation was 
harmonised with TRIPS agreement and the EU Enfo rcement Directive. Procedures to protect and 
enforce IP rights are therefore available to righ t holder. Today, the Republic of Moldova has a 
modern and balanced legal system, which provides not only right holders with legal tools to 
protect their rights, but also enables the state authorities to apply lawful intervention measures, including ex officio procedures 
5.71.  For the Republic of Moldova, it was import ant to develop an IP system based on an 
analytical and strategic vision. Thus, in 2012, the National Strategy on Intellectual Property (NSIP) 
until 2020 was approved, accompanied by three-year Action Plans. The 2015-2017 NSIP Action Plan provides for concrete measures to improv e the IP enforcement in the country, among which 
are further development of regulating acts, consolidation of institutional capacities of the 
enforcement bodies, and raising awareness for IPR.  
5.72.  It took some time to create specialized IPR enforcement units within the relevant public 
authorities. Today, however, the Customs, the Po lice and the Prosecutors' Office have specialized 
divisions, whose main duty is the combating of co unterfeiting and piracy. In addition, specialized 
officers have been appointed in their respective territorial units. Education and training of the 
enforcement bodies 'personnel are carried out on a permanent base.  
5.73.  At the border, the IPR can be enforced efficien tly, through an online intervention request 
and without any further formality, right holders benefit from border protection without the need to pay any fees or security. Customs Officers, having access to risk information systems and the 
official databases of the National IP Office, are obliged to suspend customs clearance and allow 
right holders to initiate legal proceedings when they suspect goods to be counterfeit. This scheme is widely used by foreign right holders.  
5.74.  In order to achieve an adequate and efficient protection and enforcement of the intellectual 
property rights at the border, the Customs Se rvice has recently amended the Customs Code 
approximating it with the provisions of EU  Regulation No. 608/2013 concerning customs 
enforcement of intellectual property rights. 
5.75.  During 2014, the Customs Service has recorded 30 detentions of goods suspected of being 
counterfeit. From those detentions - in 16 cases the goods were seized and in 14 cases – the good were released (either for being genuine or  because of right holder's inaction).  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.76.  IPR protection on the domestic marketplace is achieved through specialized Police and 
Prosecution Units, whose main responsibilities include the following actions: prevention of counterfeiting and piracy, fact finding, prosecutio n and application of the contravention penalties. 
The Criminal Code contains three IP offenses. Generally speaking, the applied penalty include: a 
fine of up to US$10,000, community service work  of up to 240 hours, the termination of the 
company's activity or imprisonment between three to five years. Criminal cases are submitted to the Court.  
5.77.  In cases where their rights are deemed to be violated, right holders may resort to the 
judicial system by filing an application at the district courts, whose decisions can be appealed to four Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Justice. Annually, the judiciary examines over 
100 cases of IPR infringement.  
5.78.  The IPR enforcement activity in the country is monitored by the Observatory on 
Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (Observatory) that was established within the AGEPI back in 2010. Annually, the Observatory publishes an IPR Enforcement report containing statistical 
and analytical data, legislative developments but also recommendations in the field.  
5.79.  At this end, I would like to mention that apart of all the legislative and institutional 
developments to improve the enforcement of IPR, we consider that success in fighting against 
piracy and counterfeiting could not be achieved without raising the awareness of the society for 
intellectual property, that's why one of our main concern today is to build respect for IP rights. In the recent years we have organized IP-related campaigns focused on different categories of 
populations, including antipiracy campaign for sch ool pupils, IP campaign for consumers, public 
libraries, etc.).  
5.80.  In the hope that the information we provided you has answered the raised questions, we 
remain nevertheless at your disposal for further details.  
Mr Octavian Calmic 
5.81.  I forgot to provide some additional information about privatization. Questions have been 
raised in this regard by the United States. The Government of the Republic of Moldova has 
adopted a new privatization plan which will start to be implemented very soon because of the 
public spending needs, related as well to the financial crisis in the Republic of Moldova. 
5.82.  In this respect, we intend to provide for privatization the largest companies in Moldova from 
the communication sector and energy sector, in particular Moldtelecom which is a joint-stock 
company owned by State and, as well, the compan ies that are related to the distribution of 
electricity. These markets have been liberalized fully last year and, therefore, a number of companies related to these sectors will be provided for privatization at the beginning of next year.  
5.83.  All packages related to privatization have been  already approved by the Government and we 
will start the privatization based on international practices and international call for privatization based on joint-stock procedures which exist in Moldova. That means that all countries are welcome 
to take part in this process. Of course, we will consider the background of buyers. 
DISCUSSANT 5.84.  First of all, I would like to congratulate the delegation of Moldova for the very fruitful 
discussion we had on Monday, and for all the commendations that it has received – which are of 
course well-deserved. I also appreciate the statement just given by the Viceminister Calmic, which 
is a very comprehensive response to Members' comments and questions, and provides useful information about the next steps in the near future of Moldova's trade policy. 
5.85.  All have been already asked and answered by the Deputy Minister together with the 
responses provided by the Deputy Minister of Ag riculture and by the representative of the State 
Intellectual Property Agency. We have gone beyo nd the comments and questions the Republic of 
Moldova has received. I particularly enjoyed the comments from the Deputy Minister of 
Agriculture. I think I could just change Moldova and put Paraguay, we can totally relate to what you have said and commented.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.86.  Your answers today show that the open and constructive approach throughout this exercise 
has allowed Members to learn and benefit from Moldova's experiences. The additional information provided in your statement right now has helped to further clarify some of the issues raised during the first day of this review. 
5.87.  My perception is that Members have participated enthusiastically in this Review and more 
than 110 questions have been raised, but they do moreover seek clarification in certain areas of 
their interests – in particular those related to Moldova's notification system, application of SPS 
measures and regarding the banking and financial sector.  
5.88.  Specifically, many Members commented on the following points:  
 Services: banking system, especially non-performing loans and banks under special 
administration; supervision of the insurance market; regulation of the telecommunications 
market, among others. 
 TBT and SPS: food safety; developments in legislation and enforcement (quality 
infrastructure, market surveillance, SPS controls); and notifications to the WTO. The need to 
advance the regulatory framework and infrastructure for animal – health control. 
 Investment regime: institutional framework; mechanisms for dispute resolution; and 
shareholder transparency in the banking sector, and licensing requirements for certain 
sectors. 
5.89.  In general, Members see the need for strengthening the institutions, overseeing the 
agricultural/SPS reform, and increase transparency  in the banking sector. In more trade-related 
issues, Members have raised questions on licensing requirement, the apparent application of tariff 
above the bound rates, especially with the mixed tariffs, and other technical restrictions in some 
sectors. In this sense, Members have expressed their concerns together with their hope that 
Moldova will improve the business climate for companies, seeking to work and invest by enhancing 
the rule of law, establishing strong and independent institutions and creating a level playing field 
for companies.  
5.90.  On the other hand, we have heard strong support for Moldova's open market, its stable 
economic environment, and the improvements it has made to trade policies and the constructive 
role it plays in the WTO. In this regard, I share the view of some Members that the ratification of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement will represent an important step forward. It would be important to all of us if this happens by Nairobi. 
5.91.  Other developments that many Members have welcomed are Moldova's ongoing domestic 
reforms to enhance competitiveness and productivity, as well as its efforts to address social inequalities. We have not seen the full effects of these reforms yet, but I trust that in 
implementing them, the Moldov an authorities will benefit from Members' comments and 
recommendations, and will be mindful of the implications and opportunities for more trade and investment. 
5.92.  There are also new policies and initiatives coming up, which I hope will strengthen Moldova's 
open trade regime and contribute to consolidat e trade liberalization such as: the Regulatory 
Framework Reform Strategy for Entrepreneuria l Activity for 2013-2020 and the Roadmap for 
Improving the Competitiveness in the Republic of  Moldova. These reforms will contribute to 
enhancing the country's competitiveness and co nsequent improvement of the image of the 
Republic of Moldova in foreign markets as well as setting up the institutional framework for research, development and innovation. 
5.93.  I have heard during this TPR Members' unanimous recognition of the positive role that 
Moldova plays in the WTO and in the multilateral trading system, and as a discussant, I encourage Moldova to make use of its progress in its trade policy and keep pushing for a successful 
Ministerial Conference in Nairobi because Moldova is a voice to be listened to. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.94.  Finally, I would like to congratulate again the delegation of Moldova for the great work in 
this TPR, and thank you once more for the honour of having me as the discussant for this historic exercise. 
UKRAINE 
5.95.  Ukraine welcomes the delegation of the Republic  of Moldova headed by the Deputy Minister 
of Economy, Mr Octavian Calmic, and congratulates Moldova for its first trade policy and practices review. 
5.96.  The Government report of Moldova helped us better to understand the economic purposes 
that the Government has for an object seeking to participate more effectively in the global trading system and to use trade as a means to enhance economic development. 
5.97.  We also would like to thank the Secretariat for its informative and comprehensive report. 
Finally, we would like to thank the discussant, Ambassador Juan Esteban Aguirre, for his important 
contribution to this review. 
5.98.  The transparency of Moldova's laws, procedures, and decisions is essential to the stability 
and predictability of its trade and investment regime. We encourage the Government to continue 
to build on these positive developments. 
5.99.  Nevertheless, taking into account the lengthy negotiations on the issue of Moldova's 
environmental charge as a measure affecting the importation and internal sales of goods, Ukraine 
would like to draw attention to the Law on Paym ent for Pollution of the Environment of 1998. On 
22 March 2012, the draft of the law was adopted on  first reading, but had not entered into force 
yet. 
5.100.  While appreciating the detailed information provided by the delegation of Moldova, Ukraine 
would like to recall the 2011 decision of the mixed intergovernmental Ukrainian-Moldavian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, and would be grateful for the assurances on the 
timeframes of the aforementioned law's entrance into force. 
5.101.  In this regard, Ukraine is going to submit its questions in written form in due course. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.102.  The EU would like to thank the authorities of the Republic of Moldova for the answers 
provided in preparation of this meeting as well as for the very comprehensive presentations given 
this morning. 
5.103.  We would like to confirm that we do not have any follow-up questions at this stage but we 
very much welcome this review as a useful exercise  to all parties and we hope that the Republic of 
Moldova will take advantage of the comments raised by several WTO Members. 
UNITED  STATES 
5.104.  In our statement on Monday we expressed th e particular concern about Moldova's applied 
rates which have increased over the period of review, some exceeding the bound rates in one case by as much as 22%. We look forward to reviewing the responses to our questions on this issue 
once we received them.  
5.105.  As a preview, I would like to read some of those questions now. 
5.106.  On page 28, Table 3.1 on tariff structure indicates that of Moldova's 9,448 total tariff lines, 
5,674 of them receive duty free treatment. However, of the same 9,448 tariff lines, 6,841 are 
bound to receive duty free treatment. That would seem to indicate that 1,167 tariff lines in 
Moldova's 2015 applied tariff schedule are bound at 0.0% but are not receiving that treatment. We would like the delegation to clarify the situation and provide lists of Moldova's applied and bound 
tariff lines with 0.0% rates of duty. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  5.107.  On page 30, according to the Secretariat report, for some 27 lines, MFN applied tariff rates 
exceed bound rates when using AVEs based on 2013 import data (Table 3.2). These lines are applied as compound tariffs. For some lines, it appears that the applied rate exceeds the bound rate  b y as  muc h as  2 2 % . W e  woul d  li ke  to kno w what the  R e p ub lic  of M old ova p lan s  to d o to 
ensure that its applied tariffs rates are within its WTO commitments and we would also appreciate 
knowing whether Moldova would consider removing the specific component. 
5.108.  Related to the concern with the 27 tariff lines for which applied rates exceeded Moldova's 
bound rates, the United States is concerned that Moldova's tariff schedule does not appear to 
accurately reflect its WTO tariff commitments. Certain tariff lines in Moldova's Consolidated Tariff Schedule establish mixed rates, with a tariff ceiling. Moldova's applied tariff schedule, however, reflect only the first part of the rate, omitting the ceiling. We would like to know what steps 
Moldova is taking to rectify this discrepancy, which invites application of duties in excess of its 
bound ceiling rate. We urge Moldova to rapidly mo ve to amend its customs legislation to provide 
applied tariff rates consistent with its WTO bindings, for example to include the ceiling amount on 
the affected tariff lines. 
5.109.  As the discussant stated, this concern is raised combined with hope. We would like to 
thank the delegation of Moldova for its efforts in this TPR and we look forward to receiving your 
answers to our questions. 
MR
 OCTAVIAN  CALMIC 
5.110.  Just before my closing remarks, I want to reiterate our position related to customs duties 
or market access on goods. As I said in my previous intervention, we are in the process now to 
review our fiscal policy and we are preparing different amendments to the existing law, in 
particular to the law on customs tariffs. All these concerns presented by the United States will be 
considered and presented to the Parliament for cons ideration. At least this is the position of the 
Minister of Economy and the Government as a whole. We hope that we will receive enough support 
from parliamentarians in whether to adopt these amendments by the end of this year. 
5.111.  Regarding the position of the Ukrainian side, our bilateral talks are intensive now, we are 
expecting the visit of the Prime Minister of Ukra ine in Moldova at the beginning of November and 
all these subjects are in the agenda of our bila teral talks and I am sure they are based on the 
principles of the WTO MFN treatment. We will extend these advantages and improvements on 
application of surcharge on ecological, on pollution of air to all Members of the WTO. Our intention 
is to eliminate discrimination as soon as possible. In one month since now we will present in 
writing form all other additional improvements in  our legislations regarding the discussed subject. 
5.112.  I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat for their excellent support in carrying out the 
Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Moldova, in particular Mr Willy Alfaro and his outstanding 
team. I would also like to convey our gratitude to the Chairman, Ambassador Atanas Atanassov Paparizov, for the very smooth conduct and guidance through these proceedings. 
5.113.  Let me also express my sincere apprec iation to the distinguished Permanent 
Representative of Paraguay, Ambassador Esteban Aguirre, for being the discussant for Moldova's TPR. His insightful analysis of the Republic of Moldova's trade policy regime provided an excellent backdrop for constructive deliberations at this Trade Policy Review process.  
5.114.  I have really appreciated that WTO Members have actively participated in the first Trade 
Policy Review of the Republic of Moldova. My delegation and I deeply appreciate written contributions and thoughtful interventions made by  the Members during this session which gave us 
an opportunity to understand various perspectives on the Republic of Moldova's trade policies and 
practices. We are encouraged by your interest in my country's policies and potential. We see the critical analysis of our trade policies in a spirit of understanding. It is important to recognize that 
economic reform process is an on-going activity. 
5.115.  Although we have made progress on the implementation of WTO Agreements and trade 
policies reforms, the Government of the Republic of Moldova is committed to pursue greater reforms with an objective to liberalize trade and attract investments. It is also our interest to WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  ensure that while our reform process is dynami c and forward looking, it essentially remains 
centred on an inclusive economic growth. 
 
Agenda item: Adoption of TPRB's Annual Report for 2015  
5.116.  The TPRB adopted its Annual Report for 2015 co ntained in document WT/TPR/W/89/Rev.1. WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  The first Trade Policy Review of the Republic of Moldova has offered us an excellent 
opportunity to learn about the trade, economic, and investment policies of the Republic of Moldova since its accession to the WTO in 2001, and the challenges it faces. Our discussion was greatly 
facilitated by the statements from the head of  the delegation of the Republic of Moldova, 
Mr Octavian Calmic, Deputy Minister of Economy, by the insightful comments from the discussant, the Ambassador of Paraguay to the WTO, Mr Juan Esteban Aguirre, and by the enriching 
interventions by Members. The Republic of Mold ova's timely response to written questions has 
been highly appreciated by Members, and we look forward to answers to any outstanding 
questions no later than one month after this meeting. 
6.2.  The Republic of Moldova was commended for it s good economic performance over the last 
few years, despite various external shocks, and for its sound macroeconomic policies that 
underpinned GDP growth. Nevertheless, Members ackn owledged that the Republic of Moldova still 
faces certain important challenges, including persiste nt budget and trade deficits, as well as heavy 
reliance on imported energy resources and on worker remittances from abroad.  
6.3.  Delegations urged the Republic of Moldova to  further improve the business environment by 
addressing governance issues, and increasing transparency and predictability, which would help 
attract much needed commercial engagement and foreign investment. Moreover, Members 
encouraged the Republic of Moldova to persevere with the implementation of structural reforms, 
especially in the areas of physical infrastructure and human resources development, to improve productivity and increase its participation in global value chains. 
6.4.  Members praised the Republic of Moldova for its strong commitment to the multilateral 
trading system. Specifically, they noted its extensive commitments taken upon its WTO accession and its recent efforts to reduce the number of outstanding WTO notifications. Members also took 
note of the Republic of Moldova's engagement in RTAs, particularly its goal to accede to the 
European Union. In this context, the Republic of Moldova has been bringing its legislative framework in line with international best practices in areas such as standards and technical 
regulations, competition, state-aid, government procurement, intellectual property, energy, 
telecommunications and civil aviation. 
6.5.  Members welcomed measures undertaken by the Re public of Moldova over the last years to 
transform its centrally-planned economy into a fully functioning market-driven economy. They 
noticed the steps taken by the Republic of Moldova to improve its customs procedures, including 
the introduction of an Authorized Economic Operator programme to facilitate legitimate trade. Welcoming the Moldovan notification of Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement, Members urged the Republic of Moldov a to promptly ratify the agreement. Members 
also encouraged the Republic of Moldova to ratify the recently signed WTO Agreement on 
Government Procurement. That would stimulate th e implementation of important reforms in these 
two areas. 
6.6.  While recognizing the Republic of Moldova's various economic and trade policy reforms 
adopted over the last few years, Members voiced co ncerns with respect to increases in the applied 
MFN tariff rate since it joined the WTO in 2001, in cluding the application of tariffs in excess of 
bound rates. Questions were also raised about import licensing, the regulatory framework for 
animal health control, the privatization programme, enforcement of intellectual property rights, agricultural policy, and on the authorities' strate gy for strengthening the viability of the domestic 
banking system.  
6.7.  The Republic of Moldova provided an overvi ew of reforms envisaged in its National 
Development Strategy Plan 2020, including in key areas such as education, business environment, 
infrastructure, financial sector, energy efficiency, pension system, as well as judicial framework 
and fight against corruption.  
6.8.  The first Review of the Republic of Moldova's trade policies has been concluded successfully 
to the benefit of all the Membership. Members have shown the importance they attach to the 
Republic of Moldova's trade and related policies and its role in the multilateral trading system.  WT/TPR/M/323 • Republic of Moldova 
 
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  6.9.  In closing, I would like to thank Mr Octavian Calmic, Deputy Minister of Economy, and the 
rest of the Moldovan delegation, all the other delegations, the discussant and the Secretariat for the very positive and active contribution to th e first Trade Policy Review of the Republic of 
Moldova. 
__________