The Parties shall promote cooperation between UK regulators and the national regulatory authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the field of electronic communications. The Parties shall also consider cooperation in other relevant areas, including through regional initiatives.
Article 91.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 19. TOURISM
Article 92.
The Parties shall cooperate in the field of tourism, with the aim of strengthening the development of a competitive and sustainable tourism industry as a generator of economic growth, empowerment, employment and foreign exchange.
Article 93.
Cooperation at a bilateral level would be based on the following principles:
(a) respect for the integrity and interests of local communities, particularly in rural areas;
(b) the importance of cultural heritage; and
(c) positive interaction between tourism and environmental preservation.
Article 94.
Cooperation shall focus on the following topics:
(a) exchange of information, best practices, experience and "know-how" transfer, including on innovative technologies;
(b) establishment of a strategic partnership between public, private and community interests in order to ensure the sustainable development of tourism;
(c) promotion and development of tourism products and markets, infrastructure, human resources and institutional structures as well as the identification and elimination of barriers to travel services;
(d) development and implementation of efficient policies and strategies including appropriate legal, administrative and financial aspects;
(e) tourism training and capacity building in order to improve service standards; and
(f) development and promotion of community-based tourism.
Article 95.
A regular dialogue may take place between the Parties on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 20. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Article 96.
1. The Parties shall promote mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation in the field of regional policy, including methods for formulating and implementing regional policies, governance and multilevel partnership, with particular emphasis on the development of disadvantaged areas and on territorial cooperation, as an objective to establish channels of communication and to improve exchanges of information and experience between national, regional and local authorities, as well as civil society;
2. The Parties shall cooperate to strengthen the institutional and operational capacities of national and regional institutions in the field of regional development and spatial planning, inter alia by:
(a) improving the mechanism of vertical and horizontal interaction of central and local public administration in the process of developing and implementing regional policies;
(b) the exchange of knowledge, information and best practices on regional development policies to promote the economic well-being of local communities and the homogenous development of regions.
Chapter 21. PUBLIC HEALTH
Article 97.
The Parties agree to develop their cooperation in the field of public health, with a view to raising the level of public health safety and protection of human health as a precondition for sustainable development and economic growth.
Article 98.
The cooperation shall cover, in particular, the following areas:
(a) strengthening of the public health system of the Republic of Moldova, in particular through implementing health sector reform, ensuring high-quality of healthcare, and improving health governance and healthcare financing;
(b) epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis, as well as increased preparedness for public health threats and emergencies;
(c) prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, mainly through exchange of information and best practices, promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing major health determinants, such as nutrition and addiction to alcohol, drugs and tobacco;
(d) quality and safety of substances of human origin;
(e) health information and knowledge; and
(f) full and timely implementation of international health agreements, in particular the International Health Regulations and the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of 2003.
Chapter 22. CIVIL PROTECTION
Article 99.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on natural and man-made disasters. Cooperation shall be conducted considering the interests of the Parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, as well as taking into account the interdependence existing between the Parties and multilateral activities in the field of civil protection.
Article 100.
Cooperation shall aim at improving the prevention of, preparation for and response to natural and man-made disasters.
Article 101.
The Parties shall, inter alia, exchange information and expertise and implement joint activities at a national, regional and international level. Cooperation shall include the implementation of specific agreements and administrative arrangements in this field, concluded between the Parties and in accordance with the legal procedures of the Parties.
Article 1012.
The cooperation shall cover, amongst others, the following objectives:
(a) facilitating mutual assistance in case of emergencies;
(b) exchanging as necessary early warnings and updated information on large scale emergencies affecting the UK or the Republic of Moldova, including requests for and offers of assistance;
(c) assessment of the environmental impact of disasters;
(d) inviting experts to specific technical workshops and symposia on civil protection issues;
(e) inviting, on a case by case basis, observers to specific exercises and trainings organised by the UK and/or the Republic of Moldova; and
(f) strengthening cooperation on the most effective use of available civil protection capabilities.
Article 103.
A regular dialogue may take place between the Parties on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 23. COOPERATION ON EDUCATION, TRAINING, MULTILINGUALISM, YOUTH AND SPORT
Article 104.
The Parties shall cooperate to promote lifelong learning and encourage cooperation and transparency at all levels of education and training, with a special focus on higher education
Article 105.
That cooperation shall focus, inter alia, on the following areas:
(a) promoting lifelong learning, which is a key to growth and jobs and can allow citizens to participate fully in society;
(b) modernising education and training systems, enhancing quality, televance and access;
(c) promoting convergence in higher education, deriving from the Bologna process;
(d) reinforcing international academic cooperation and participation in cooperation programmes, increasing student and teacher mobility;
(e) establishing a national qualification framework to improve the transparency and recognition of qualifications and competences; and
(f) promoting cooperation in vocational education and training.
Article 106.
The Parties shall promote cooperation and exchanges in areas of mutual interest, such as linguistic diversity and lifelong language learning, through an exchange of information and best practices.
Article 107.
The Parties agree to cooperate in the field of youth to:
(a) reinforce cooperation and exchanges in the field of youth policy and non- formal education for young people and youth workers;
(b) facilitate active participation of all young people in society;
(c) support young people and youth workers' mobility as a means to promote intercultural dialogue and the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences outside the formal educational systems, including through volunteering; and
(d) promote cooperation between youth organisations to support civil society.
Article 108.
The Parties shall promote cooperation in the field of sport and physical activity through the exchange ofinformation and good practices in order to promote a healthy lifestyle, the social and educational values of sport and good governance in sport within the societies of the UK and the Republic of Moldova.
Chapter 24. COOPERATION IN RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION
Article 109.
The Parties may promote cooperation in all areas of civil scientific research and technological development and demonstration (RTD) on the basis of mutual benefit and subject to appropriate and effective protection of intellectual property rights.
Article 110.
Cooperation in RTD may cover:
(a) policy dialogue and the exchange of scientific and technological information;
(b) facilitating adequate access to the respective programmes of the Parties; (c) increasing research capacity; (d) the promotion of joint projects for research in all areas of RTD;
(e) training activities and mobility programmes for scientists, researchers and other research staff engaged in RTD activities on both sides;
(f) facilitating, within the framework of applicable legislation, the free movement of research workers participating in the activities covered by this Agreement and the cross-border movement of goods intended for use in such activities; and
(g) other forms of cooperation in RTD (including through regional approaches and initiatives), on the basis of the Parties' mutual agreement.
Chapter 25. COOPERATION ON CULTURE, AUDIO-VISUAL POLICY AND MEDIA
Article 111.
The Parties will promote cultural cooperation in accordance with the principles enshrined in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions of 2005. The Parties will seek a regular policy dialogue in areas of mutual interest, including the development of cultural industries in the UK and the Republic of Moldova. Cooperation between the Parties will foster intercultural dialogue, including through the participation of the culture sector and civil society of the UK and of the Republic of Moldova.
Article 112.
1. The Parties may develop a regular dialogue and cooperate to promote the audiovisual industry in Europe and encourage co-production in the fields of cinema and television.
2. Cooperation could include, inter alia, the issue of the training of journalists and other media professionals, as well as support to the media, so as to reinforce their independence, professionalism and links with UK media in compliance with European standards, including standards of the Council of Europe and the 2005 Unesco Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
Article 113.
The Parties shall concentrate their cooperation on a number of fields:
(a) cultural cooperation and cultural exchanges, as well as the mobility of art and artists;
(b) intercultural dialogue;
(c) policy dialogue on cultural policy and audiovisual policy;
(d) cooperation in international fora such as Unesco and the Council of Europe, in order to, inter alia, develop cultural diversity and preserve and
valorise cultural and historical heritage; and
(e) cooperation in the field of media.
Chapter 26. CIVIL SOCIETY COOPERATION
Article 114.
The Parties shall establish a dialogue on civil society cooperation, with the following objectives:
(a) to strengthen contacts and the exchange of information and experience between all sectors of civil society in the UK and in the Republic of Moldova;
(b) to ensure a better knowledge and understanding of the Republic of Moldova, including its history and culture, in the UK, thus allowing for a better awareness of the opportunities and challenges for future relations; and
(c) to ensure, reciprocally, a better knowledge and understanding of the UK in the Republic of Moldova and in particular among civil society organisations of the Republic of Moldova.
Article 115.
The Parties shall promote dialogue and cooperation between civil society stakeholders from both sides as an integral part of the relations between the UK and the Republic of Moldova. The aims of such a dialogue and such cooperation are:
(a) to ensure the involvement of civil society in UK-Republic of Moldova relations, in particular in the implementation of this Agreement;
(b) to enhance civil society participation in the public decision-making process, particularly by establishing an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the public institutions and representative associations and civil society;
(c) to facilitate a process of institution-building and consolidation of civil society organisations in various ways, including advocacy support, informal and formal networking, mutual visits and workshops, in particular with a view to improving the legal framework for civil society; and
(d) to enable civil society representatives from each side to become acquainted with the processes of consultation and dialogue between civil and social partners on the other side, in particular with a view to further integrating civil society in the public policy-making process in the Republic of Moldova.
Article 116.
A regular dialogue may take place between the Parties on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 27. COOPERATION IN THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
Article 117.
The Parties agree to cooperate in ensuring the promotion of the rights of the child according to international laws and standards, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 1989, taking into account the priorities identified in the specific context of the Republic of Moldova, in particular for vulnerable groups.
Article 118.
Such cooperation shall include, in particular:
(a) the prevention and combating of all forms of exploitation (including child labour), abuse, negligence and violence against children, including by developing and strengthening the legal and institutional framework as well as through awareness-raising campaigns in that domain;
(b) the improvement of the system of identification and assistance of children in vulnerable situations, including increased participation by children in decision-making processes and the implementation of efficient mechanisms to handle individual complaints made by children;
(c) exchange of information and best practices on the alleviation of poverty among children, including on measures to focus social policies on children's wellbeing, and to promote and facilitate children's access to education;
(d) the implementation of measures aimed at promoting children's rights within the family and institutions, and strengthening the capacity of parents and carers in order to ensure child development; and
(e) accession to, ratification and implementation of the relevant international documents, including those developed within the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Hague Conference on Private International Law, with the purpose of promoting and protecting of children's rights in line with the highest standards in the field.
Article 119.
A regular dialogue may take place between the Parties on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Title V. TRADE AND TRADE-RELATED MATTERS
Chapter 1. NATIONAL TREATMENT AND MARKET ACCESS FOR GOODS
Section 1. COMMON PROVISIONS
Article 120. Objective
The Parties shall continue to progressively establish a free trade area over a transitional period of a maximum of 10 years starting from 1 September 2014, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and in accordance with Article XXIV of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994).
Article 121. Scope and Coverage
1. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to trade in goods (1) between the Parties.
2. For the purposes of this Chapter, "originating" means qualifying under the rules of origin set out in Protocol I to this Agreement.
Section 2. ELIMINATION OF CUSTOMS DUTIES, FEES AND OTHER CHARGES
Article 122. Definition of Customs Duties
For the purposes of this Chapter, a "customs duty" includes any duty or charge of any kind imposed on, or in connection with, the import or export of a good, including any form of surtax or surcharge imposed on, or in connection with, such import or export. A "customs duty" does not include any of the following:
(a) a charge equivalent to an internal tax imposed in accordance with Article 129 of this Agreement;
(b) duties imposed in accordance with Chapter 2 (Trade Remedies) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement; or
(c) fees or other charges imposed in accordance with Article 128 of this Agreement.
Article 123. Classification of Goods
The classification of goods in trade between the Parties shall be that set out in accordance with the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System of 1983 (HS) in the Republic of Moldova's tariff nomenclature based on HS 2017 and the UK's tariff nomenclature based on HS 2017 and in subsequent amendments to those nomenclatures.
Article 124. Elimination of Customs Duties on Imports
1. Each Party shall reduce or eliminate customs duties on goods originating in the other Party in accordance with Annex II to this Agreement.
2. For each good the base rate of customs duties to which the successive reductions and eliminations are to be applied under paragraph 1 of this Article are specified in Annex II to this Agreement.
3. If, at any moment following the date of entry into force of this Agreement, a Party reduces its applied most-favoured-nation (MFN) customs duty rate, such duty rate shall apply as base rate if and for as long as it is lower than the customs duty rate calculated in accordance with Annex II to this Agreement.
4. After the entry into force of this Agreement, the Parties may agree to consider accelerating and broadening the scope of the elimination of customs duties on trade between the Parties. A decision of the Political and Strategic Dialogue in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 375(3) of this Agreement, on the acceleration or elimination of a customs duty on a good shall supersede any duty rate or staging category determined pursuant to Annex II to this Agreement.
5. During the third year after the entry into force of this Agreement, the Parties shall assess the situation, taking account of the pattern of trade in agricultural products between the Parties, the particular sensitivities of such products and the development of agricultural policy on both sides.
6. The Parties shall examine, in the Political and Strategic Dialogue in Trade configuration, on an appropriate reciprocal basis, the opportunities for granting each other further concessions with a view to improving liberalisation of trade in agricultural products, in particular those subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs).