Moldova's Ilan Shor Announces Launch of Trade House to Promote Products in Russia

Ilan Shor, the leader of Moldova's opposition bloc 'Victory', has announced the imminent launch of a Moldovan trade house in Russia. This initiative aims to facilitate the entry of Moldovan products into the Russian market, particularly benefiting agricultural enterprises that have faced challenges as a result of the current pro-Western policies of Moldova's government.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Shor outlined the trade house's objectives, which include securing agreements with Russian retail chains to streamline the logistics and presentation of Moldovan goods. He stated, "Moldovan enterprises do not have the opportunity to organize logistics and present their products on the Russian market. The trading house will first of all assume the function of agreements with retail chains in Russia, to provide the function of a conductor of Moldovan goods to the Russian market."

Why this matters: This development has significant implications for Moldova's economy and its relations with Russia, as it could help revitalize the country's agricultural sector. The success of the trade house could also influence Moldova's geopolitical alignment and have broader consequences for the region.

The trade house is expected to launch within the next week, with the initial goal of getting Moldovan goods into all federal retail chains in Russia within a month and a half. Shor emphasized the urgency of this endeavor, noting that the first supplies would come from Gagauz suppliers, with plans to expand to manufacturers across Moldova.

Moldovan manufacturers have struggled to access the Russian market on account of the country's pro-Western stance, which Shor described as 'Russophobic'. He argued that the policy of aligning with the European Union has not yielded the anticipated economic benefits for Moldova.

Shor also expressed appreciation to Russia for its support of the Gagauz autonomy, whose rights he claimed are regularly violated by the Moldovan authorities. He acknowledged the risk of persecution for entrepreneurs who choose to cooperate with Russia but stressed the necessity of this cooperation to prevent farmers' harvests from rotting in the fields.

"Of course, there is such a danger. Moreover, the authorities will persecute anyone who dares to cooperate with Russia. But farmers have no other choice, otherwise the harvest will rot in the fields again, as last year, for example, because it will be unprofitable to harvest it, since there is nowhere to sell it," Shor stated.

Shor, an Israeli businessman, is currently under investigation for allegedly defrauding Moldova's three largest banks, resulting in a loss of $870 million. Despite being under house arrest, he continues to play a significant role in Moldova's political scene.

The launch of the Moldovan trade house in Russia represents a critical effort to revive Moldova's economic ties with Russia and provide much-needed market access for its agricultural products. With operations underway, the trade house's success could significantly impact the livelihoods of Moldovan farmers and the broader economy.

Key Takeaways

• Moldova's opposition leader Ilan Shor announces launch of Moldovan trade house in Russia.
• Trade house aims to facilitate Moldovan products' entry into Russian market, benefiting agricultural enterprises.
• Initial goal is to get Moldovan goods into all federal retail chains in Russia within 1.5 months.
• Shor criticizes Moldova's pro-Western stance, saying it has not yielded economic benefits.
• Trade house's success could impact Moldova's economy and geopolitical alignment.