Moldovan exporters eye Italy’s market despite tough requirements
Moldovan exports to Italy exceeded €308.0 million (approx. 6,200 million MDL) last year, with textiles and agri-food products accounting for much of the trade as businesses seek growth despite demanding market requirements.
Fresh fruit exporters seek to expand their Italian presence
Zinaida Plămădeală, an export manager at a Moldovan agricultural company, said her company had been working with Italian partners for five years, primarily exporting fresh fruit, particularly plums.
Although Italy accounts for a relatively small share of her company’s total sales, Plămădeală said the market offered room for expansion, including through supermarket chains rather than relying solely on distributors and wholesalers.
“It is an interesting market for us, and we see potential there,” Plămădeală said on Radio Moldova’s Zi de Zi programme.
She described Italian buyers as demanding in terms of product quality, delivery times and contractual obligations. Her company is seeking to strengthen its position by offering competitive products and developing long-term commercial relationships.
European market access requires investment and skilled workers
Eugen Croitor, who has more than 20 years of experience in the paper and plastic packaging industry, currently exports to Romania and is looking to expand into other markets, including Italy.
Croitor said his company had made occasional shipments to Italy and France but faced challenges in establishing a stronger presence in Western European markets.
“You need proper standardisation and must operate at a higher level,” Croitor said, adding that high standards applied not only to products but also to production facilities, staff qualifications and storage conditions.
He also identified the shortage of skilled workers as a persistent problem. Recruiting and training a new employee can take around six months, he said.
Italy remains an important export destination
Irina Tolstousov, deputy director of Moldova’s Investment Agency, described Italy as an important market for Moldovan exporters. She said the two countries had a long history of commercial cooperation, alongside opportunities to exchange expertise and business practices.
The agency supports companies seeking to enter foreign markets by helping them participate in international exhibitions, trade fairs, business missions and networking events.
Tolstousov also highlighted the presence of an active Moldovan diaspora in Italy, which contributes to demand for products from the home country.
According to the figures cited in the report, non-food products account for 63.8% of Moldovan exports to Italy, while food products represent 36%. The figures total 99.8%, apparently reflecting rounding.
Funding programme aims to support export expansion
The light industry accounts for a substantial share of Moldova’s non-food exports to Italy. Tolstousov said Moldovan manufacturers produce goods for major Italian fashion houses.
She also announced a new funding call worth MDL 16 million (approximately €0.8 million at the current official exchange rate), through which the Investment Agency would cover up to 60% of eligible expenses for initiatives aimed at accessing foreign markets.
The programme could help Moldovan companies strengthen their presence in Italy and other international markets, although the launch date and eligibility conditions should be confirmed before publication.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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