Austria is proud to be in the TOP 10 largest investors in Moldova and is ready to expand ties with it in the field of energy, agriculture and other areas - Alexander Van der Bellen.
The President of Austria stated this while speaking on Friday at the Moldova-Austria business forum, in which he took part together with his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu. He drew attention to the fact that Moldova and Austria are connected by strong friendship and excellent relations at the political level, which is confirmed by the frequent exchange of visits at the highest level. Alexander Van der Bellen said that Austria supports Moldova in the process of European integration and is pleased to grant it candidate status for accession to the EU and the decision of the European Commission on November 8 to recommend the start of negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the EU. The Austrian President warned that Moldova faces a difficult period, since previously the conditions for joining the EU were not as strict as they are now. According to him, even Austria itself does not meet some criteria today, although it has been part of the EU for a long time. In addition, negotiations will now need to be conducted with 27 countries, and not with 12, as was the case with Austria. Alexander Van der Bellen assured that Austria will help Moldova with everything necessary, including expertise and technical assistance. He said that Austria is already actively developing trade, economic and investment cooperation with Moldova and is in the TOP 10 countries of its largest investors. “We are proud of this achievement. Austrian investments have been made in the insurance sector, agriculture, and other important areas, and we are ready to use the existing economic potential of Moldova to develop new mutually beneficial relations,” noted Alexander Van der Bellen. He drew attention to the fact that due to the war in Ukraine, which will last no one knows how long, it is impossible to conduct business as usual, and the borders with Ukraine are not so far away. The President of Austria emphasized that it is necessary to reduce dependence on Russian energy resources, as well as to reduce the overall use of traditional fuel. Alexander Van der Bellen emphasized that Austria occupies a leading position in the field of organic farming, ecological agriculture, and is also successful in renewable energy. According to him, the development of economic ties and environmental protection must go hand in hand and it is important to use existing opportunities to implement mutually beneficial projects. The Austrian President expressed hope that during the business forum, business people of the two countries will establish new interesting contacts and successfully cooperate. He drew attention to the fact that in Moldova it is important to ensure the rule of law, to have a stable investment regime, to ensure a safe business climate and to have guarantees for the preservation of investments. // 17.11.2023 — InfoMarket.
