Moldova's prime minister urges Ukraine to route Romania-bound exports via Moldovan railway

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

Focus on Romania

Tofan noted that Ukrainian entrepreneurs are largely focused 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. At present, 30% of Moldova's exports go to Romania, and these could also include goods from Ukrainian companies.

Discount on cargo transit

The prime minister also addressed the decision to give Ukraine a 50% discount on freight transit across the Moldovan railway. In his words, the decision was not easy, as Moldova faces budget constraints, must consider the interests of its own farmers and has problems with its railway. Tofan stressed that friendship is tested by decisions rather than statements, and said Moldova is ready to work together on better infrastructure, a faster border and new logistics routes.

Earlier agreements

During his 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 ready to extend joint border control to two more crossing points on the border with Ukraine.