Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018 | Page 35

of Intent on Cooperation in the fi eld
of Information and Communication
Technology and Electronics between
two the ministries.
The first steps in this direction
have already been made and more
are to follow. A group of Moldovan
businessmen, led by the Chairman of
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of
Moldova visited India to participate in a
pharmaceutical event in May 2018, and
an Indian multidimensional economic
mission, organised by the PHD Chamber
of Commerce and Industry is to visit
Moldova in October this year.
Q Sir, given that it is the public sector,
which facilitates the actions of the
companies, what would be your view
regarding the cooperation between
private sectors of the two countries –
especially in the fi eld of education? Do
you foresee expandable collaboration
here?
We welcome the establishment
of inter-academic ties between the
Moldovan State Medical and
Pharmaceutical University and some
Indian universities, including agreements
with a few medical institutions
and pharmaceutical companies.
Concurrently, a number of professionals
from Moldova are benefiting from
scholarships in India, including the
ones at the Indian Diplomatic Institute.
Moreover, in view of the recently
opened Moldovan Diplomatic Institute
we will appreciate establishing inter-
institutional collaboration primarily for
exchange of information and taking on
Indian experience and best practices.
Science and research is another
dimension of cooperation, and our
Academy of Science is interested in
establishing partnerships between
academic communities of our countries,
particularly for young professionals.
Q Is there, in the near future,
any agreement or framework for
collaboration (MoUs) between the
two nations?
As I have already mentioned, further
development of a legal framework
for bilateral cooperation in different
fi elds was one of the main topics of
our discussion. At this point, the legal
basis for our cooperation includes seven
bilateral documents and eight more
agreements in various areas being under
consideration on both sides.
Q During this visit, have there been
any talks for establishing a resident
envoy from Moldova to India; and
vice-versa?
I take this opportunity to express
my confidence that opening of the
Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in
New Delhi next year, and subsequently
the Embassy of India in Chisinau
the following year. The presence and
practical work of a resident envoy and
of a diplomatic team will signifi cantly
strengthen bilateral relations.
Q Moving on to the cultural sphere,
please explain what could be done to
enhance the soft diplomacy between
the two nations? Does tourism play a
role here?
The cultural and humanitarian
aspects, including tourism, are very
important for consolidation of relations
between the two countries and the
people in many other fields. In this
respect, apart from being home to the
world's largest wine cellar and one of
the world’s leading wine producers,
Moldova is also known for its strong
sense of community and rich culture
with unique music, dance, food, poetry,
architecture, and artisanal goods; all
these in combination with wine create
About 300 Indian
citizens in Moldova, the
majority of them are
students of different
high level educational
institutions
an authentic and unique experience for
tourists from all over the world.
Q The Indian Diaspora in Moldova
in less than 300; is there any role that
they can play in promoting better
relations between the two nations?
About 300 Indian citizens
in Moldova, the majority of them
are students of different high level
educational institutions, including 267
at the Moldovan State Medical and
Pharmaceutical University.
Undeniably, the presence of Indian
Diaspora in Moldova is a very positive
fact that opens excellent perspectives
for increased interaction and cultural
exchanges, not only between the young
Indian and Moldovan people, but
also at the level of the entire society
and will significantly contribute to
the advancement of cooperation and
friendly relations between our states.
Q Moldovan wine has made a pres-
ence in India. What do you suggest
could be done to expand the Indian
market for your country’s wine?
India represents a major market for
every country and product and we are
very happy that Moldovan wines have
already become known here. For the
same reason, while a huge potential
remains unexplored, Moldova is keen
to promote and export its high quality
wines at competitive prices to India.
Presently the basic prerequisites for
importing Moldovan wines to India are
in place and once an Indian company is
interested, all necessary procedures for
commencing export/import of wines
could be promptly implemented. We
also hope that representatives of Indian
companies interested in bringing the
Moldovan wine to the Indian market
will join the economic mission in its
visit to Moldova scheduled for October,
when the Annual Wine Days are to take
place (October 5-6). On the other side,
we will also actively work on bringing
Moldovan companies to participate in
the World Food Festival held every year
in India and present their wines.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 9 • September 2018, Noida • 35