The Committee adopted the report by Mr Jan Marinus WIERSMA (PSE, NL) on the economic and trade-related aspects of the partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) between the European Community and Moldova. The agreement, which is concluded for an initial period of 10 years, is based on respect for democracy, the principles of international law and human rights, the principles of the market economy and a negotiated solution to the problems of minority-group rights.
The agreement relates to the trade in goods on the basis of the most-favoured-nation clause, with a view to an examination in 1998 of the possibility of establishing a free-trade zone; trade in textiles is governed by a separate agreement, while trade in ECSC products is not subject to most-favoured-nation criteria and trade in nuclear material will be governed "if necessary" by a special agreement.
The report also stressed that it would be useful to conclude a bilateral agreement on the wine trade, which was the most dynamic of the export sectors, and called for the Community market to be made more accessible to agricultural products from Moldova.
As far as trade and investment provisions are concerned, the Committee approved the general objectives of those measures relating to working conditions, the setting-up and operation of companies and the transfrontier provision of services.
Other aspects of the agreement: The Committee acknowledged the efforts which had been made by the Republic of Moldova in respect of current payments and the balance of capital, competition, protection of intellectual and industrial property and legislative cooperation, and approved the list of themes which could be the subject of economic cooperation. The Committee also stressed the importance of cooperation in sectors such as education and training, the fight against crime, energy, environmental protection, transport and social affairs.
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