Presidential elections. Those do something to a country. No, not Donald Trump's resounding victory in the United States - the media is already full of that - but Maia Sandu's under-reported victory in Moldova. This triumph is a bright spot for the economy of this small country of barely 2.5 million inhabitants that lies wedged between Ukraine and Romania. This website recently ran a special about Moldova. This win is also good news for fresh produce companies that want to modernize and turn their gaze to Europe, especially after the Russian embargo on Moldovan fruits and vegetables since 2022. And it is an opportunity for European importers to become acquainted with the excellent fruit grown in sun-drenched, fertile Moldovan fields.
Maia Sandu, president of the Republic of Moldova (Credits: Dreamstime)
Referendum and presidential elections
On October 20, Moldova's government narrowly got the go-ahead in a referendum to enter into talks with the EU to join the bloc. But, it became clear that, in the simultaneously held presidential election, the country would need a second round to choose a final winner. The ballot was not without controversy. There was reportedly a disinformation campaign, and Russia was suspected of buying 300,000 votes.
The second round of presidential elections was held on Sunday, November 3. Despite Russian influence, outgoing President Maia Sandu, who maintained a pro-European line and made fighting corruption her trademark, won by 55% over Alexandr Stoianoglo. Stoianoglo favors an amicable relationship with Russia. Most people living in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, voted for Sandu. And did young people and the almost one-million-strong broad diaspora, many of whom are migrant workers in Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and other European countries, including in the horticultural sector.
Alexandr Stoianoglo was more popular in the older and more rural part of the population. He was, in fact, initially beating Sandu in the polls. Until the expatriate results came in. Next year's parliamentary elections will show whether the president still has backing for her intention to bring Moldova into the European Union.
Zero tariffs to stay
What does this second term of a president on a pro-EU course mean for Moldova's fruit and vegetable sector? We asked Iurie Fala, CEO of the industry association, Moldova Fruct. "These referendum and election results offer continuity in Moldova's inclusion in the European Union. Accession negotiations had already started and can now enter the next, more intense phase," he begins.
Iurie Fala, CEO of Moldova Fruct, during the inauguration of a new sorting line in the packing station of the fruit company PDG Fruct
"The Moldovan fresh produce sector currently enjoys de facto zero tariffs on exports to EU countries. With this result, Brussels should maintain that in the coming years. The same goes for Moldovan transport companies being able to operate on European Union territory. In other words, it guarantees smooth access for our grapes to the Polish, plums to the German, or cherries to the Dutch market."
Harmonizing legislation
Moldovans are well aware that the road to EU membership is long and challenging. "It requires harmonization of legislation; we know what it means; we've seen it with neighboring Romania. However, politicians have received a powerful mandate, and the European Union is highly experienced in welcoming new member states. We expect plenty of support. It also includes leveling agriculture and horticulture laws, and we know the sector needs substantial investments to modernize. Having embarked on that path, the government must support the fruit and vegetable sector," says Iurie.
Investing and making expertise available
Besides support from the Moldovan government and EU countries, he expects increased investment from the overseas private sector. Iurie reports that sectors, including the fruit sector, have enjoyed valued assistance from the Dutch CBI in recent years and similar initiatives from countries including Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Romania.
"It will become more attractive for private companies to invest in Moldova. How quickly that will happen, though, is partly down to how quickly legislation is harmonized and how legal certainty, say, regarding property rights, improves. We're confident that interest in doing business in Moldova will rise. That happened in Poland, Romania, and Hungary when they were in the accession process. But, in Moldova, we tend to say there's no such thing as 'free cheese.' We must have something to offer those investors. And we do. There are plenty of opportunities here."
Expats returning
According to Iurie, the diaspora gradually returning will be a testament to those opportunities increasing by the day. "Our country will become more open on the trade front, and the economy will pick up, party supported by a friendlier business climate. Many will return to seize the chances that will unfold here. They will also bring back much experience. When it comes to our sector, for example, in innovative cultivation methods and modern labor practices at packing facilities. Moldova can only benefit," he concludes.
On December 5 and 6, Moldova Fruct is holding the tenth edition of the Fruit Business Conference of the Republic of Moldova in Chisinau. This event targets Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine fruit growers and traders. National and international experts will discuss innovative growing and processing techniques and market strategies.
For more information:
Iurie Fala (CEO)
Moldova Fruct
MD 2012 Chisinau, Moldova
Tel: +373 222 23 005
Mob: +373 693 66 424
[email protected]
www.moldovafruct.md