The minister voiced this during today's meeting with Tiraspol's residents
It is not the first time when government authorities meet with the capital's residents. Today such meetings have been held in other cities of the republic as well.
Alevtina Savchenko recalled that Pridnstrovie's foreign economic activity had run into a complex situation.
"Since April the rates of production, imports and exports have considerably decreased, and this trend continues. The situation in the neighbouring countries, Ukraine, in particular, has a negative impact. Many economic agents in Pridnestrovie have lost contacts with Ukraine's business partners because of their insolvency. The situation is further aggravated by the volatility of the Russian rouble and Ukrainian hryvna," said the economic development minister.
She added that Pridnestrovie's food, consumer goods, chemical, electrotechnical and heavy engineering industries were facing difficulties at the moment. Such large enterprises as Kvint, Tirotex, Floare, Tigina and Vestra had experienced drop in production.
"The government has taken a number of measures to stabilise the situation and support economic agents. Thus, gas benefits have been granted to the enterprises. Last December the Act "On Macroeconomic Stabilisation Measures", initiated by the president, was adopted by the parliament.
Five free economic zones have been created in the republic; however, they have been inefficient so far. Now we are considering the extension of terms and tax benefits for them," noted Alevtina Slinchenko.
According to her, the tentative forecast for next year shows that "if the current situation persists, the next year will be rather difficult." The existing problems are being worked on by experts in the Moldovan-Pridnestrovian joint working groups.
"They have already helped to solve a number of urgent issues; in particular, the introduction of excise duties has been cancelled. This summer a cooperation memorandum was signed between the economic ministries of Russia and Pridnestrovie. Within the framework of the memorandums signed in Moscow this month, the mutual trade has been fostered between Russia and Pridnestrovie," concluded the economic development minister.
