EXPORT VISION Study: EU Moldova's most important economic partner, accounting for over half of country's overall trade

The export opportunities of Moldovan producers and the challenges in the agricultural and food industry on the European Union’s market represented the subject of an event organized today by the Investment Agency, titled, EXPORT VISION. European Union Market Study for Agriculture and Food Industry.

The event included the presentation of the market study for the European Union, focusing on economic and trade trends, market requirements and essential regulations for import (tariff and non-tariff). Participants had the opportunity to attend a panel discussion with local exporters who shared successful strategies and to participate in a networking session to interact directly with potential partners and specialists in the field.

According to the session's moderator, Corneliu Spinei, head of the Export Promotion Department at the Investment Agency, Export Vision increasingly proves the Agency's commitment to support Moldovan exporters and strengthen economic relations with the European Union.

“The program provides local companies with the necessary tools to become more competitive in the international market. It is designed to present and identify opportunities, as well as target market challenges in increasing the growth of skills and competitiveness of local companies for efficient export”, explained Spinei.

One notable exporter is Casa Albinei Ltd Company, which presented at today's event.

Casa Albinei, an example of efficiency and competitiveness

With 20 years of experience, Casa Albinei Ltd produces, processes and exports over 500 tons of honey annually.

For the local market, the honey is manually packaged in jars and plastic containers, while for the external market the honey is exported in bulk, in 300 kg metal barrels, later being packaged by foreign importers under a different brand.

The installation of a new packaging line at the end of last year allows the company to adopt value-added packaging and to export under its own brand. The automated line also helps the beneficiary package up to 20 tons of honey in just 2-3 days.

Vitalie Popa is the co-founder of Casa Albinei and director of the Honey Exporters Association. He took over the apiary from his father, investing in quality and becoming one of the most important honey exporters in Moldova.

Additionally, Vitalie Popa integrated his business into the tourism sector, offering api-therapy services, accommodation at the apiary, honey tasting, etc.

“We sell the largest quantity of processed honey in Italy, where we have a trusted partner, collaborating with him for several years. We aim to sell jarred honey, not just bulk, and reach the shelves of stores in the European Union and beyond,” said Vitalie Popa.

Moldova and the European Union: 10 Years of Progress and Strategic Partnership

In 2024, a decade since the signing of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union was marked, a defining moment in the country's European trajectory. During this period, Moldova has made significant steps towards European integration, getting candidate status for the EU on June 23, 2022, and the opening of accession negotiations on December 14, 2023. These 10 years have brought significant economic, commercial, social and infrastructural benefits, strengthening Moldova's relationship with the EU.

EU - Moldova's Main Trading Partner

The European Union is undoubtedly the most important economic partner of  Moldova, accounting for 53.7 per cent of the country's overall trade in 2023. Moldovan exports to the EU have steadily increased over the past decade, reaching 65.4 per cent of total national exports in 2023. Moldova ranks 65th among the EU's trading partners, with a trade volume of 7.2 billion euros in 2023, of which 2.4 billion are Moldovan exports, and 4.8 billion euros are imports from the EU (an increase of 2 per cent against 2022).

Moldova's Main Trading Partners in the EU

Moldovan products, such as plums, grapes, and cherries, have become increasingly present on the European market.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii