The evolution of the economic indicators over the year 2006 show a macroeconomic stability, a sustainable economic growth, a development of business environment and a gradual improvement of living standards in Moldova. In spite of the two serious external shocks Moldova had to face in 2006, namely the Russian ban on imports of Moldovan wine, and the price increase for natural gas, the country’s GDP grew by 4.6%, while the inflation rate reached 12%.

During the year 2006, the Republic of Moldova has achieved important results in cooperation with World Bank and International Monetary Fund. A significant number of development projects have been approved for financing by the World Bank. Also, on May 5 the IMF Executive Board approved a new three-year arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, in the amount of US$118.5 million, which by the end of the year has been increased to US$167 million due to the effects of the external shocks. In the same period Moldova reached agreement with the Paris Club on rescheduling of Moldova’s foreign debt.
Currently, the Government of the Republic of Moldova is focused on implementation of the following national strategies and plans:
• Government activity program for 2005-2009 “Country modernization- people welfare”
• Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy
• Moldova-European Union Action Plan
• Threshold Plan of the Republic of Moldova (in the framework of Millennium Challenge Corporation initiative of the U.S. Government) aimed at enhancing the capacities for combating the corruption
• National Plan “Moldovan village”
• Investment Attraction and Export Promotion Strategy for 2006-2015

Moldova’s adherence to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 is a confirmation of the country's trade regime liberalization. In connection with Moldova’s accession to the World Trade Organization, the legislation was harmonized in accordance with WTO rules. In meeting Modova's WTO membership commitments the Government is assisted by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Moldova signed free trade agreements with 10 CIS countries, and free trade agreements with all countries of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. Since 1 January 2006, Moldova benefits from EU Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for good governance and sustainable development, known as GSP+. Currently, the Government of the Republic of Moldova is conducting consultations with the European Union on the requirements in order to benefit from Autonomous Trade Preferences. Also in December 2006, Moldova joined the Central European Free Trade Agreement.

Moldova - U.S. trade relations

According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Moldova 's exports to the United States in 2006, totaled 16224.6 thousand U.S. dollars.

Moldova’s main exported goods to the United States of America were woman apparel, corn, cigar papers, tobacco, food products, cereals and alcoholic drinks. Moldovan imports from the United States in 2006 accounted for 35863.3 thousands U.S. dollars. Moldova’s main imported U.S. goods were textiles, chemical products, optical devices and medical instruments, food products, electric machinery.

If you are interested to receive more statistics on Moldovan exports and imports, you can access the web site of the National Bureau of Statistics at www.statistica.md

Moldova - U.S. Joint Economic Task Force

In order to strengthen the economic and investment ties between the Republic of Moldova and the United States of America, both countries have agreed to launch in 2003 the Moldova – U.S. Joint Economic Task Force.

This Joint Economic Task Force (JETF) is reuniting annually and is co-chaired by the Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Moldova and the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia of the Department of State. In November 2005, during the third meeting of the JETF which took place in Chisinau, the parties have evaluated the implementation of the Action Plan of JETF signed in 2004. Currently, in the light of Moldova’s participation in the Millennium Challenge Account programs, the participants to the task force are considering ways to further exploit the opportunities of this framework of cooperation.