OREANDA-NEWS.  March 01, 2012. Rise in export is expected in 2012 due to implementing of various investment projects, realizing measures on liberalization of trade, etc., Inga Ionesii, head of the Senior department of trade policies of the Ministry of economy has noted during press conference.

In 2011 Moldova saw unparalleled growth in export, which indicates accuracy of policies realized and results from reforms the ministry of economy has implemented. According to findings of the National Bureau of Statistics, external trade in Moldova made up USD 7,41 bln. in 2011, 37,4% up as compared with 2010.

Export grew by 44,1% to USD 2,22 bln., with import increasing by 34,7% - to USD 5,19 bln. The trade balance deficit failed to be reduced; it grew by 28,4% to USD 2,97 bln. The biggest share in export - 21,2% - fell to plants and plant products. Major export partners of Moldova in 2011 were Russia, Romania, Italy, Ukraine, Germany, the Great Britain, Poland, Belarus, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. About 49% of goods were exported from Moldova to EU, and 41,4% to CIS.

As the ministry of economy says, the growth in export was explained by favorable external conditions, which formed the higher demand for products made in Moldova. The rise in export was also determined by higher annual export quota in EU states, investments into export-oriented companies, better quality of Moldova’s goods and its promotion at the domestic market. According to Inga Ionesii, last year was characterized by the significant growth in import of equipments and row material, which indicates more intensive implementation of investment projects in the country.

The ministry of economy projects lower import of goods analogs of which are produced at the domestic market. At present, 6 to 7% of import can be substituted by domestic products, experts predict. The biggest share of import - 22,5%- falls to energy resources and mineral products. Ten import partners of Moldova include Russia, Ukraine, Romania, China, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Belarus, Poland and Hungary.