Russian-Moldavian free trade to be limited

In 2003, Moldavia and Russia will sign a schedule of gradual withdrawal of goods from free trade, the Moldavian Economy Ministry reported to RBC. The country is hoping that the abolishment of the withdrawals from free trade will take place within one year and a half, not in seven to nine years, as the schedule, compiled by Russian and Ukrainian specialists, envisages. Among these goods are sugar, two kinds of spirit, cigars and cigarettes.

During negotiations on Russia's accession to the WTO, Moldavia and Russia agreed to sign a new governmental agreement on free trade, which will not stipulate any restrictions or withdrawals from free trade. At the end of 2002, the draft of the document was introduced to Russia for consideration. The signing of such agreement is suggested by new conditions of international relations among WTO member countries.

Moldavia joined the WTO in 2001; Russia is going to enter this organization in the near future. As specialists of the Moldavian Economy Ministry point out, it is difficult to preserve free trade under the current agreement with Russia.