Moldovan president delivers message at Economic Forum in Bratislava

Moldova is undergoing a period of deep transformation and provides concrete opportunities to the business community. President Maia Sandu made statements to this effect stated at the Moldova–Slovakia Business Forum, held in Bratislava today. The Moldovan head of state encouraged Slovak businesspeople to invest in Moldova.

“Today, I am here with a simple message: Moldova is open for business. And the time is now. (...) Investing in Moldova is not a distant gamble, but a concrete opportunity in a market that is rapidly moving closer to the European market. (...) We want to make use of Slovakia’s experience in developing infrastructure, manufacturing industries and industrial parks – areas that are essential for modernizing our economy and creating jobs at home,” Maia Sandu said.

Maia Sandu highlighted the major changes in recent years, insisting that Moldova is no longer the same country as in the past. The authorities are accelerating the process of European integration.

“We have eliminated our dependence on Russian gas. We are reforming the judicial system and dismantling corrupt networks that, for years, turned Moldova’s business environment into a risk. We are aligning our standards, regulations and institutions with the European Union’s ones — not because Brussels is asking us to, but because we understand that this is the foundation on which real investment can grow,” the president said.

In a European economic context marked by uncertainty and changes in supply chains, the president emphasized Moldova’s strategic advantages. Maia Sandu stressed that the bilateral relationship had a solid foundation, but must be turned into concrete outcomes:

“The dialogue is strong, and there is political will on both sides. But political will has value only when it is transformed into concrete projects, real business agreements and tangible benefits — for your companies, for our economies and, ultimately, for our people. We meet at a time when our economies — and Europe as a whole — face real uncertainties. Supply chains are changing. Energy security has become a strategic priority. The rules of global trade are being rewritten,” Maia Sandu said.

A central point of her speech was the EU Growth Plan for Moldova, which will mobilize massive investments of almost 2 billion euros for energy, transport, digital infrastructure, industry and economic modernization. Sandu stressed that these funds would generate “projects, tenders, contracts and infrastructure,” offering direct opportunities for European companies, especially Slovak ones, which have experience in using EU funds.

Maia Sandu reiterated the country’s strategic goal:

“We aim for Moldova to become a member of the European Union by the end of this decade. Companies that invest now will have a major advantage when this happens. (...) We are a small country, but a determined one. And we have learned an important lesson: it is not size that defines ambition.”

President Maia Sandu today paid an official visit to Bratislava, at the invitation of her Slovak counterpart, Peter Pellegrini. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations in more areas, as well as on support for Moldova’s accession to the European Union. The two leaders witnessed the signing of a bilateral agreement in the field of social protection and will hold a joint press conference.