OREANDA-NEWS. November 29, 2012. In January-September, 2012, an amount of investments made in Free Economic Zones of Moldova totalled a sum of USD 13 mln, 1.7 times up as compared with the same period of 2011. This was briefed by Director for the Main Department for Industrial Policies and Competitiveness under the Ministry of Economy of Moldova.

Since their establishments, free economic zones of Moldova have attracted investments at a total sum of USD 155 mln, Ion Lupan said. According to him, there are 151 residents which have created 6.1 thou of jobs in 7 active FEZ. The largest free economic zones by a number of jobs and an amount of investments are located Balti and Ungheni. Free Economic Zones of Moldova are still developing and at present 8 projects more are being implemented and invested in USD 220 mln. As a result of their implementation, 2.5 thou. of vacancies are expected to be opened. All the projects are to be launched in 2013.

Among the investors Ion Lupan mentioned Gebauer & Griller, BUMA and others. Besides, 7 new projects are being negotiated on. According to Ion Lupan, within 9 months of 2012 it was manufactured industrial production at a sum of 1.3 bln. leis in FEZs of Moldova. 85% of the productions were exported. The structure of the export from Moldova includes the 8.5% share of goods produced in free economic zones.

There are 7 free economic zones in Moldova: Balti, Ungheni-Business, Otaci-Business, Taraclia, Vulcanesti, Tvardita, Marculesti’s airport and Giurgiulesti International Port.