The Dutch Ambassador visits Giurgiulesti International Free Port
• 934 thousand tons of transshipped goods via GIFP in 2020, despite restricted exports of cereals in the
second half of 2020 due to severe drought and the Coronavirus pandemic
• Bustling activities at GIFP with almost completed, underway and upcoming new construction projects
• Fair access of investors to the rules of law in the Republic of Moldova hampered by the ongoing
attempt to expropriate Danube Logistics Holding BV’s and the EBRD‘s interests in Danube Logistics
SRL via the Moldovan justice system
Chișinău, 26 February 2021. The operations and construction projects at Giurgiulești International Free Port
(GIFP) were the key topics discussed during the visit of His Excellency Mr. Roelof van Ees, the Ambassador of
the Netherlands to Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and Mr. Floris van Eijk, Head of the Dutch Embassy
Office in the Republic of Moldova, at GIFP on Wednesday, February 24. Mathias von Tucher, the General
Director of Danube Logistics SRL, outlined that GIFP continues to support Moldova’s international trade
despite the challenges caused by the pandemic and, in particular, the 50% reduction of grain exports (i.e. -250
thousand tonnes compared to 2019) due to the bad harvest. GIFP still recorded a transshipment volume of
934 thousand tons in 2020, proving the importance of the unobstructed shipment of goods by maritime and
river vessels for Moldovan importers and exporters.
Mr. von Tucher stated that the development of GIFP is in full swing with new facilities in construction: the
ethanol and wine storage facilities are almost finalized, and the works at a state-of-the-art crushing plant for
production of vegetable oil are progressing fast. In addition, two further resident companies envisage to start
the construction of grain storage facilities.
The General Director of Danube Logistics SRL also discussed with the Dutch Ambassador the ongoing attempt
to expropriate Danube Logistics Holding BV’s and the EBRD‘s interests in Danube Logistics SRL via the
Moldovan justice system. H.E. Mr. Roelof van Ees expressed his concern about the current legal proceedings
and recent court decisions: “It is crucial for the Republic of Moldova to uphold the rule of law and protect the
legitimate interests of foreign investors in the country. Otherwise, Moldova will miss out on much-needed
foreign direct investment and economic growth.”
Danube Logistics SRL, the operator and general investor of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, is wholly
owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding B.V. According to a participation agreement the EBRD
is entitled as of today to 65% of the dividend and share sales proceeds related to Danube Logistics Holding
BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL.
