President at Romania-Moldova Economic Forum

The first edition of Romania- Moldova Economic Forum took place in Chișinău, bringing together officials and representatives from the business communities on both sides of the Prut River. The event provided a framework for partnerships and joint projects to stimulate economic development and regional integration. In her speech, President Maia Sandu emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership with Romania for the economic development of the Republic of Moldova and its rapprochement with the European Union.

"The Republic of Moldova is gradually becoming a more business-friendly country. The reforms implemented by the current government, accelerated digitalization, ambitious debureaucratization, and a competitive fiscal framework send a clear signal. Moldova is open for investment and growth. Growth that would not have been possible if we hadn't implemented, together with Romania, projects that positively change people’s lives," stated Maia Sandu.

Among the projects implemented with Romania's support, the president mentioned road renovations, railway upgrades, bridge repairs and constructions, and energy interconnections to align with the European market.

The head of state added that all these achievements need stability and security to continue, and in the context of the war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks, stability and unity are essential.

In this context, Maia Sandu emphasized that the September 28 election is the opportunity to consolidate what the Republic of Moldova has built together with Romania and other European partners.

"It is the opportunity to keep bridges, power lines, trade routes, and investment opportunities open. Therefore, at this pivotal moment, I call on the business community to continue to support us, to invest, to contribute to the defense of democracy, so that together we can continue our European journey with Romania alongside us, until we find ourselves as two sisters in the same European house," Maia Sandu added.

Ambassador Cristian-Leon Țurcanu highlighted that Romania remains the main trade partner for the Republic of Moldova, with over 1,700 Romanian companies active in the market.

"The strategic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is an engine for the European development of the Moldovan economy and society. I convey my appreciation to the Romanian companies already present here and my encouragement to investors who wish to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the European path of the Republic of Moldova," said the diplomat.

He encouraged business people to participate in events like the Economic Forum, which brings together business partners for business ideas and sustainable economic growth initiatives and encourages and recognizes the contribution of women entrepreneurs in the economic development of society.

Attending the event, BNM Governor Anca Dragu said that Romania-Moldova Economic Forum highlights the importance of the strategic partnership with Romania, a country that has demonstrated that European integration can be a catalyst for economic development and for the strengthening of the financial system.

"The exchange of experience with Romanian institutions, cooperation in the field of financial services, and alignment with European standards are the pillars of a collaboration that benefits both economies. I envision a Moldova where female entrepreneurship is no longer an exception but a norm. A country where the digitalization of financial services eliminates geographical and social barriers, connecting rural entrepreneurs with international markets. An economy where technological innovation serves inclusion, not replaces it. This vision can become reality through collaboration between the public and private sectors, through strategic partnerships and concrete, modern policies," Anca Dragu added.

The event was held under the aegis of the National Bank of Moldova, in strategic partnership with the Romanian Embassy in Moldova, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, and having as partner the Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova.

Romania is the most important investor in the Republic of Moldova, with over 250 million euros invested annually and over 1,700 companies active in the market. Additionally, Moldovan capital companies beyond the Prut provide over 20,000 jobs in Romania, having a turnover of around 3 billion euros.