Declaration of the Third Meeting of the Domestic Advisory Groups between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union on Trade and Sustainable Development

Participants reviewed progress on the recommendations in the Declaration of the second Joint Dialogue Forum of October 2016. Although some progress was noted, most constraints and recommendations on expanding trade and ensuring sustainable development remain relevant.

The meeting presented findings on the impact of trade liberalisation with the EU on Moldova's trade performance, as well as developments and constraints in the business climate and labour legislation. Civil society representatives adopted a joint declaration on priority policy recommendations for seizing the economic opportunities of the Association Agreement. Civil society, media and development partners attended. The joint civil society dialogue forum was created when the Agreement entered into force, meets at least once a year and monitors implementation of its trade and sustainable development provisions. It is chaired by the Independent Think Tank “Expert-Grup”; members are business associations, trade unions and NGOs.