OREANDA-NEWS.  June 29, 2012. The insertion in a non-transparent way of a considerable number of new provisions into the draft fiscal policy for the year 2013, after the finalization of the consultation process, has developed its faulty essence, the statement of the Association runs.

Moreover, a missing cost/benefit analysis for the proposed policies imposes its authors to operate more with emotional reasons than with pragmatic arguments of economic nature. On June 21, after the Government meeting, Veaceslav Negruta, Finance Minister, is said to deliberately mislead the public opinion by distorting the role of governmental institutions in creating a healthy competitive business environment.

Referring to principles of a market economy, he suggested that it should constitute a normality that local operators have to face competition, without bothering that in reality the Moldovan market is flooded with smuggled goods. This statement is considered by foreign investors even more regrettable as it comes from a person who supervise state bodies responsible for collecting taxes: the State Fiscal Service and the Customs Service, the latter being directly responsible to fight smuggling.

Alongside with promoting the interests of its members to create a favorable investment climate, another mission of FIA is to defend the rule of law, which is essential for both: protection of investments and a perspective of economic development, the statement stresses. The above mentioned principles determine the full functionality of state institutions to protect the market from smuggled goods. FIA is currently witnessing an impressive growth of the latter, especially in the consumer business, but also on the energy market.

Members of FIA state they understand the difficult situation the Republic of Moldova is at this stage and urged the government representatives, responsible for drafting and approving the fiscal policy, to refrain from denigrating statements addressed to foreign companies which constitute one of the main sources of public revenue. FIA expressed firm confidence that viable solutions may be found only through a civilized and constructive dialogue.

Foreign Investors Association (FIA) was founded in September 2003, nowadays incorporating 14 largest foreign-owned companies in Moldova, whose total investment exceeds USD 950 million.