EFTA Secretary-General meets with Ambassador of Moldova

Their discussion centred on the ongoing ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EFTA States and Moldova. They exchanged views on future cooperation between the two sides, and on promoting trade and use of the FTA, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises.

EFTA and Moldova signed a comprehensive FTA on 27 June 2023. It entered into force between Iceland and Moldova on 1 September 2024 and will enter into force between Norway and Moldova on 1 November 2024. The ratification processes for Liechtenstein and Switzerland are well advanced, with entry into force expected in the first part of 2025.

In 2023, trade between the EFTA States and Moldova reached EUR 102 million, with an average growth rate of 12.9% over the previous five years. EFTA’s exports to Moldova increased by 21.9% in this period, primarily in vehicles, pharmaceutical products, electrical machinery, and fish and crustaceans. Moldova’s exports to EFTA States also saw significant growth, rising from EUR 11 million in 2013 to EUR 31 million in 2023, driven by textiles, electrical machinery, mattresses, fruits and nuts, and footwear. Read more about merchandise trade between EFTA and Moldova here.