Belarus and Moldova plan to increase mutual trade to $500 million in two years’ time, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Moldova Vyacheslav Osipenko said as he spoke at a solemn reception at the Belarusian embassy in Chisinau to mark Independence Day in Belarus.

The Ambassador stressed that there is every opportunity to reach this goal. He praised Belarus-Moldova trade and economic relations and took note of a big untapped potential and intention from both the sides to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. Over the recent years the bilateral trade has exceeded $100 million.

Belarus supplies Moldova with a wide range of engineering products. Moldova uses over 30,000 Belarusian tractors. Last year Belarus ranked first in the world in imports of Moldavian wine products and second in imports of Moldavian fruits and vegetables.

A total of 60 MTZ tractors designed for gardens and vineyards are to be assembled in Moldova in 2012. The first Belkommunmash trolleybus will be assembled in July.

The Ambassador also took note of close regional ties of Belarus and Moldova. Robust ties have been established between Minsk and Chisinau, Vitebsk, Polotsk and Beltsy, Mogilev Oblast and Gagauzia Autonomous Territorial Unit, Bobruisk and Anenii Noi, Gomel District and Edinets. According to Vyacheslav Osipenko, vibrant regional cooperation creates an appropriate platform for further development of bilateral relations.

Partaking in the reception in Chisinau to mark Independence Day of Belarus were Moldavian MPs, Cabinet members, businessmen, civil organizations, Belarusian communities, creative intelligentsia, clergy, and diplomats.

Belta