On 26 February 2016, the National Institute for Economic Research in collaboration with Inspiro Consulting organized the International conference "Association models of agricultural producers in the Republic of Moldova vs V4 countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia)" in the context of "Agribusiness association model in V4 countries - a new perspective for Moldova competitiveness" project financed by the Visegrad Fund. The event was attended by Mr. Victor Moraru, academician coordinator, Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Mr. Mihai Suvac, Head of division of policies of production and quality regulations of plant products, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, H.E. Matyas Szilagyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Hungary in the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Robert Kirnag, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovakia in the Republic of Moldova, representatives of Czech and Polish embassies, members of associations of agricultural producers in Moldova: Association of Producers and Exporters of fruits Moldova Fruct, Association of producers and exporters of grapes, AGROINFORM, AIPA, members of ASM specialized research institutes, international experts from partner institutions from the project (Szent Istvan University in Hungary, Faculty of Economics, University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic, Slovak University of Agriculture NITRA and independent experts from Poland).
The event was opened by Mr. Alexandru Stratan, NIER Director, who thanked the Visegrad Fund for supporting projects implemented within the NIER, mentioning about the sustainability of collaboration between the Fund and Institute. There was stated the aim of the conference that represents the meeting of national and international experts in order to share experience of EU members with associations of agricultural producers from Moldova. Mr. Stratan thanked foreign experts and all those present, noting that the Conference shall be a platform for exchange of views and experience that will contribute to a better perception of the activities of associations of agricultural producers both in Moldova and the V4 countries.
Mr. Victor Moraru mentioned on the successes of the National Institute for Economic Research in creating international partnerships, emphasizing the continuing tradition of cooperation with the Visegrad Fund in the future in order to implement new projects.
Mr. Michael Suvac, Head of division of policies of production and quality regulations of plant products, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry reiterated the support of the Ministry of Agriculture for supporting the implementation of international projects related to the agri-food sector, and the NIER conference in this regard, represents a very good opportunity to share the experience of European countries.
H.E. Matyas Szilagyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Hungary in the Republic of Moldova thanked for the invitation, noting that the embassy represents a bridge between the institutions from the Republic of Moldova and international entities. H. E. appreciated the invitation of Hungarian experts and reiterated the support for research activities carried out within NIER.
The conference continued with the presentation of international experts from Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic, as well as the Republic of Moldova about the general situation of the agricultural sector in V4 countries, models of association of producers in those countries, premises for producers’ association, description of associations and their prospects of operation and collaboration with central and local public bodies.
Finally, the event ended with a question and answer session, and there were made proposals for future cooperation for the development of the associative sector in the Republic of Moldova, following the experience of V4 countries.
