Republic of Moldova strengthens trade relations with China. Talks in Beijing on expanding agri-food and wine exports

The Republic of Moldova aims to diversify and expand exports of agri-food and wine products to external markets, with a focus on strengthening its presence on the Chinese market, a topic addressed during official meetings in Beijing between Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi and officials of the People’s Republic of China.

High-level talks with China’s Ministry of Commerce

During the visit, the Moldovan deputy prime minister held a meeting with the Vice Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Ling Ji, with discussions focusing on strengthening economic cooperation and facilitating access for Moldovan products to the Chinese market.

The Moldovan side highlighted its interest in increasing exports of agri-food and wine products, as well as identifying solutions to enhance their competitiveness in the Asian market.

A key topic of discussion was the proposal to examine the possibility of adjusting customs tariffs applied to Moldovan wines, a measure considered essential for strengthening the country’s presence in China’s wine segment.

Expanding Moldovan products on the Chinese market

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi welcomed the recent signing of documents allowing the export to China of sunflower seed flour and grape seed flour produced in the Republic of Moldova, describing this step as a significant milestone in diversifying export offerings.

These developments are part of a broader strategy to promote “Made in Moldova” products and strengthen their international market presence.

Support for promoting Moldovan products

The Moldovan official emphasized the importance of intensifying contacts between business communities in Moldova and China, as well as supporting Moldovan companies in participating in economic exhibitions held in China.

He also appreciated the Chinese authorities’ openness to increasing the visibility of Moldovan products on major digital platforms in China, a key channel for expanding exports.

China’s openness to increasing imports

On their part, Vice Minister Ling Ji highlighted the quality and potential of Moldovan wines and grapes, which are already appreciated by Chinese consumers.

The Chinese official reconfirmed China’s openness to increasing imports and strengthening institutional cooperation to facilitate access for Moldovan products to the Chinese market.

Broader economic cooperation prospects

The discussions also covered opportunities for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, and e-commerce, emphasizing the potential for further development of bilateral economic relations.

The current state of trade exchanges between the two countries, as well as investment attraction opportunities in the Republic of Moldova, were also reviewed.

Separate meeting with China’s Foreign Minister

On the sidelines of the visit to Beijing, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi also held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi.

The discussions focused on the evolution of Moldova-China relations and prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the economic and trade sectors, with an emphasis on expanding exports and facilitating access for Moldovan products to the Chinese market.

Conclusion

The Beijing visit confirms the Republic of Moldova’s interest in strengthening economic relations with China and diversifying export markets, particularly in the agri-food and wine sectors. High-level dialogue opens new prospects for trade agreements and for a stronger presence of Moldovan products on the Asian market.