Moldova's Prime Minister urges Ukrainian businesses to use Moldovan railway for exports to Romania

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan has called on Ukrainian businesses to export goods to Romania using Moldova's railway. Speaking at the Kyiv International Economic Forum, he said the railway could serve as a bridge for Ukraine to the markets of Romania and the Balkans, according to a correspondent of Evropeiska Pravda.

Focus on Romania

Tofan noted that Ukrainian entrepreneurs tend to concentrate on Poland. He pointed out that Romania's economy has a GDP of more than $480 billion, and that Moldova shares a common language, infrastructure and economic ties with it. Currently, 30% of Moldovan exports go to Romania, and, according to the prime minister, these could also include goods from Ukrainian companies.

Discount on cargo transit

Tofan also addressed the decision to give Ukraine a 50% discount on cargo transit via the Moldovan railway. He admitted the decision was not easy: Moldova faces budget constraints, has to consider the interests of its own farmers, and has problems with its railway. Still, in his words, friendship is tested not by statements but by decisions. Moldova, he said, is ready to work with Ukraine on better infrastructure, a faster border and new logistics routes.

Earlier visit

During an earlier visit to Kyiv, Tofan and Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation, which opens the way to an exchange of experience between the two countries. Moldova is also prepared to extend joint border control to two more checkpoints on its border with Ukraine.