Russia has said that it will lift its import ban on wine and meat from Moldova.
The announcement was made by Russian president, Vladimir Putin, at a summit meeting for former Soviet states. Although no date was set, the president suggested that lifting the ban would take effect almost immediately.
Russia banned the imports from Moldova in March, 2006, claiming to have found impurities in the products, which prompted quality concerns. Even without the ban, only imported meat and wine that have come from approved warehouses will be allowed entry and will be subject to strict quality controls in both Moldova and Russia.
Russia also banned wine imports from the former Soviet state, Georgia in spring 2006, which remains in place.
A Moldovan official said earlier this year that it would only support Russia’s entry into the World Trade Organization if it lifted its ban.
Wine is a key industry in Moldova, and prior to the ban, 80% of exports went to Russia.