This was stated by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, who noted that the authorities had stepped up border controls and measures to combat the illegal trade in cigarettes.
“An important issue is the illegal trade in cigarettes. We have held a series of meetings on this issue. The volume of illegal cigarettes on the market in the Republic of Moldova accounts for around 7 per cent of total sales. This figure is confirmed, amongst others, by major international players with whom you are familiar. Two such companies operate in Moldova: one Japanese and one American,” Vasile Tofan said on the Cinema1 television channel.
The Prime Minister compared the situation in Moldova with that in other European countries, noting that the proportion of counterfeit or illegal cigarettes is significantly higher there.
“For example, in Romania the proportion of counterfeit or illegal cigarettes exceeds 20 per cent, and in France it also exceeds 20 per cent. Thus, we are managing to control certain processes, but I agree that we still have a lot of work to do,” the Prime Minister noted.
Speaking on border security, Vasile Tofan emphasised that border control has been a priority since the start of the war.
“Since the start of the war, border control has been a priority both for the Ukrainian side – to prevent men from leaving the country, to stop desertion and to prevent the import of various dangerous devices – and for our side. I believe that this border has been very well fortified in recent years. The same has happened on the border with Romania,” he said.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
Follow our updates
Have information for the newsroom? Share it with Logos-Press
Comments
0No comments yet. You can start the conversation.
Comments are open to readers with a Logos Press account.
Sign in to comment