The trade turnover between Ukraine and Moldova in 2011 exceeded $1 billion, but has not yet reached pre-crisis levels. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said this during a meeting in Kyiv with his Moldovan counterpart Vlad Filat, the press service of the Ukrainian government reported.

"In 2011, bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion. This is a good indicator. This is post-crisis compensation for 2008-2009. Our pre-crisis trade accounted for $1.5 billion, so we have room to grow and all opportunities to increase the turnover," Azarov said.

In addition, the Prime Minister noted that Ukraine is interested in participation of its construction companies in the development of infrastructure projects in Moldova and the creation of joint leasing companies operating Ukrainian agricultural machinery in the territory of Moldova.

Azarov also said that Ukraine is interested in synchronous ratification by the parliaments of both countries of an agreement on the introduction of a free trade zone within the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The Premier urged the Moldovan side to speed up work on demarcation of the Ukrainian-Moldovan state border in troubled spots and the agreement on the operation of the Dniester HPP.

The Ukrainian Prime Minister asked the Moldovan counterparts to introduce to the Moldovan Parliament a bill on ratification of the agreement on cooperation in the field of national minority relations.

Azarov said that Ukraine back in the past year fulfilled all the internal procedures necessary for entry into force of this Agreement.

Ukrinform