OREANDA-NEWS. March 28, 2011. It was said by the European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht during the meeting in Brussels with Moldovan Prime Minister Vladimir Filat. Prime Minister thanked the European Commissioner for the contribution to the EU’s decision to prolong the autonomous trade preferences for Moldova and to increase quotas for some Moldovan goods.

The parties discussed fulfillment of the key recommendations planned for the first quarter and of a part of the additional recommendations of the Plan of Actions for realization of the European Commission’s recommendations to establish a deepened and comprehensive free trade area with the EU. Vladimir Filat said Moldova had submitted the first report on the taken measures to the European Commission.

He said he hopes for the positive evaluation of the European Commission, which will give “green light” to the negotiation process. Vladimir Filat expressed his hope that the parties will discuss the concrete schedule of beginning of the negotiations at the meeting of the Cooperation Council on May 5.

Prime Minister told about the investment projects launched in Moldova, thanks for the support provided by the European Investment Bank which approved a 75 million euro loan to fund the wine sector restructuring program in Moldova. He expressed his confidence that this program will give essential support to Moldova’s winemaking companies and they will become competitive in the EU market.