MOLDOVA#35 – What We Have Built // Deputy Prime Minister: We Have Followed Complex Economic Path. Next Step Is Full Integration into European Economy

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Independence, MOLDPRES is launching MOLDOVA#35 – What We Have Built, dedicated to Moldova's achievements and the transformations that have shaped the country’s development. In this section, ministers review their work in the areas they manage and talk about the results achieved and the projects that have contributed to the development of the Republic of Moldova. From economy and infrastructure to education, culture, health, agriculture, energy and European integration, each edition highlights the changes and results in areas that are essential to the country.

Over the 35 years of independence, the Republic of Moldova has experienced a complex and profound economic path. We have moved from an economy integrated into a centralized system to a market economy, in which entrepreneurship, investment, competition, exports and innovation have become essential drivers of development. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Eugeniu Osmochescu made the statement to MOLDPRES. The official emphasized that the next step is full integration into the European economy.

“At 35 years of independence, I believe that the most important achievement is that the Republic of Moldova has built its own economy and created the capacity to transform itself. The next stage is full integration into the European economy,” said Osmochescu.

The official stressed that the main transformation that has marked the economy of the Republic of Moldova in the 35 years of Independence is the emergence and consolidation of the private sector.

“Today we have entrepreneurs who have built competitive companies, export-oriented production and businesses integrated into international value chains,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

At the same time, according to him, the economy of the Republic of Moldova has opened up to the world, and Moldovan companies have expanded their export destinations. Accession to the World Trade Organization, the Association Agreement with the European Union and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area have created the framework for gradual integration into the European economy.

“Today, the EU is our main trading partner, and more than two-thirds of Moldovan exports reach the European market. This is one of the most important economic changes that occurred during the period of independence: Moldovan companies have access to a market of more than 450 million consumers and are increasingly connected to European production chains,” he said.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister underlined that in recent years we have also seen a change in the model of economic growth.

“In 2025, GDP increased by 2.4%, industrial production by 5.4%, and investments in fixed assets grew by 21.8%. These are indicators showing that investment and production must increasingly become the engines of the economy,” he said.

He pointed out that investment attraction policy plays an important role in this transformation, noting that the authorities aim to create clearer and more predictable conditions for both local and foreign investors.

“Investment means capital, but it also means technology, know-how, new markets and jobs. At present, we seek to attract investments in areas with high growth, innovation and value-added potential: industry, digital technologies, energy, infrastructure, health, research and innovation. The new investment framework approved recently aims precisely to create clearer and more predictable conditions for local and foreign investors,” Osmochescu emphasized.

At the same time, financing programs implemented through the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) have become an important instrument for the development of SMEs – from launching a business to retechnologization, energy efficiency, digitalization, innovation and export. Statistical data show that the EU project for SMEs alone has supported 377 businesses and contributed to the creation of over 5,600 jobs.

Another area in which transformation is very visible is digitalization. Currently, more than 78% of public services intended for the business environment are available online via EVO, and entrepreneurs have digital access to 425 services.

“A few years ago, we were talking about the first online public services; today we are building a digital ecosystem in which the entrepreneur can interact with the state remotely. More than 78% of public services intended for the business environment are available online via EVO, and entrepreneurs have digital access to 425 services. The next step is to move from the digitalization of individual services to an integrated digital infrastructure that covers the entire life cycle of a business,” said Osmochescu.

In parallel, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization has set out to simplify the relationship between the state and the business environment through the deregulation reform and “REUȘIM” Program. The goal is very concrete: less bureaucracy, clearer rules and more time for entrepreneurs to develop their businesses, the Deputy Prime Minister explained.

Eugeniu Osmochescu pointed out that European integration is currently the most important accelerator of this transformation. According to him, the Republic of Moldova’s Growth Plan for the period 2025–2027, worth up to 1.9 billion euros, creates an unprecedented opportunity for investment, reforms and modernization of the economy.

“For us, European integration means not only adopting European legislation, but building an economy capable of functioning and competing in the single market: with predictable rules, higher productivity, European standards and competitive companies. This alignment with European standards is also visible in areas such as the free movement of goods, standardization, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment and market surveillance. And this is directly linked to consumer protection. A modern economy must provide both good conditions for entrepreneurs and safety and confidence for consumers,” he said.

The official noted that going forward, the authorities’ focus is to move to an economy with higher productivity and added value.

“We need more modern industry, more investment, more complex exports, our own technologies and products, research, artificial intelligence, digital services and skills adapted to the economy of the future,” he said.

Osmochescu reiterated that the next stage is full integration into the European economy.

“Our objective is for this integration to translate into concrete results for people and companies: better-paid jobs, more competitive businesses, more investment, stronger Moldovan products on external markets and a better quality of life,” he concluded.

On August 27, the Republic of Moldova marks 35 years since the proclamation of Independence.