Chisinau invites Ukraine to use the railway network of the Republic of Moldova for exports to Romania and the Balkans (Evropeiska Pravda)

Moldova’s Prime Minister, Vasile Tofan, called on Ukrainian entrepreneurs to use Moldova’s railway network to export goods to Romania and the Balkan markets, according to Evropeiska Pravda. The appeal was made on Monday in Kyiv, during the International Economic Forum, amid efforts to expand regional logistics routes.

Tofan argued that the railway infrastructure of the Republic of Moldova could become an important link between Ukraine and the markets in Romania and southeastern Europe. The prime minister emphasized that Romania has a gross domestic product of more than 480 billion dollars, and that the two countries are connected by language, infrastructure, and economic relations.

According to the Moldovan official, approximately 30% of the Republic of Moldova’s exports already reach Romania. He said that this route could also be used by Ukrainian companies.

Chisinau also announced a 50% reduction for Ukraine on the transportation of goods by Moldovan railways. Tofan acknowledged that the decision had been difficult, given budgetary constraints and problems with the railway infrastructure, but stated that the Republic of Moldova was prepared to support the development of new trade routes.

During his visit to Kyiv, the Moldovan prime minister and his Ukrainian counterpart, Serhii Korețki, also signed a military-technical cooperation agreement. The Republic of Moldova also intends to expand joint customs control to two more border crossing points with Ukraine.