HL Deb 14 March 2003 vol 645 c211WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will seek better access to the European Union for the products of the Republic of Moldova, in view of its size and economic difficulties. [HL2034]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Trade relations between the EU and Moldova are covered by a partnership and co-operation agreement under which Moldova's exports to the EC receive most favoured nation (MFN) treatment. In addition, as a developing country, Moldova benefits from the EC's generalised system of preferences (GSP) under which a large proportion of Moldovan exports to the EC enjoy a preferential tariff rate below that of the MFN rate. Since 2000, Moldova has also received additional reductions of customs duties under GSP as an ILO application country. Currently Moldova does not take full advantage of existing preferences offered under GSP.