Moldovan president's speech at opening of Moldova-France Business Forum

Dear friends, distinguished guests,

It is a pleasure to be here today, at the Moldova-France Business Forum, in front of businesspeople, investors and entrepreneurs who stimulate innovation and create opportunities.

Moldova and France share a deep friendship, based on trust, common values and a commitment to a strong, competitive and forward-looking Europe.

Last night, I had a productive discussion with President Macron, during which we talked about security on the continent, Moldova's accession to the European Union and the solid and comprehensive relations between our countries.

We will continue to deepen this partnership and companies will be among the first to benefit.

When political relations are strong, economic ties also prosper.

Today, Moldova and France are developing their economic relations.

More and more French companies are turning to Moldova, in order to invest, expand and establish partnerships.

Many of these companies were pioneers - investing in Moldova when others hesitated. And now they reap the benefits of a rapidly modernizing market, a skilled workforce and a strategic position in Europe.

And I want to make it very clear: Moldova is open for business.

And I invite you to be part of our success.

We are no longer just a small country on the outskirts of Europe. Moldova is a candidate country for the EU, aligning with European standards, reforming its economy and providing advantages to early investors.

For companies looking to expand, Moldova is a strategic destination for investments.

• A pro-business government is making bold reforms - cutting bureaucracy, digitizing services and simplifying regulations.

• The business climate is improving - deregulation, liberalization and structural reforms make the path to launch, growth and success simpler.

• We have one of the most competitive tax regimes in Europe - with special facilities in key industries.

Today, Moldova is at a turning point - with prospects for quick growth, solid regional integration and stronger resilience than ever before.

Why should you invest in Moldova?

First of all, we reward investments.

• Our state aid scheme offers up to 60 per cent reimbursement for investments in key sectors: automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agro-food, textiles, chemical and construction materials industries.

• A 15 per cent reimbursement is provided immediately after the investment, and 45 per cent is reimbursed through corporate income tax reductions.

• This is one of the most competitive industrial incentives in the region, making Moldova an attractive center for manufacturing and exports.

Secondly, we have agreements in place to support businesses and workers.

• The Convention between Moldova and France for the avoidance of double taxation ensures that companies and individuals are not taxed twice on the same income, making cross-border investments simpler and more predictable.

• The agreement between Moldova and France in the field of social security provides safety to Moldovans working in France and for French citizens working in Moldova - protecting pensions, benefits and workers' rights.

These agreements reflect our commitment to strengthen economic ties and create a business-friendly environment that benefits companies, investors and employees alike.

Thirdly, we focus on digital innovation.

• Moldova's IT Park is one of the most competitive digital ecosystems in Europe.

• A single 7 per cent tax on turnover replaces multiple taxes, simplifying compliance and reducing costs.

• More than 1600 IT companies from 39 countries have already chosen Moldova for software development, AI, fintech, blockchain, and hardware manufacturing.

Fourthly, we are investing in green energy:

• Moldova is making a bold shift towards renewable energy, expanding solar, wind and biomass energy projects.

• Our goal is energy independence and full integration into the EU energy market.

• Essentially, it's about sustainability, but above all, it's about long-term economic security and competitive energy prices for businesses.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Moldova is not just a market, but a gateway.

• Our free trade agreements give companies access to 500 million consumers in the European Union, EFTA (as of April 1), the United Kingdom, Turkey, Ukraine and the Western Balkans (via CEFTA).

• We have a highly skilled, multilingual workforce - fluent in Romanian, English, French, and German, as well as Ukrainian, Russian, Turkish and Bulgarian.

• We are cost-competitive - offering 0% tax on undistributed profits for small and medium-sized enterprises and flexible mobility for talents.

• 86 per cent of public services for companies are now available online, reducing bureaucracy and making operations easier.

In short, Moldova is becoming a modern, digitalized, investor-friendly economy.

We are growing. We are becoming stronger. And now time is ripe to invest. Moldova can provide rapid growth. The experience of French companies, such as Orange, Pentalog, or Lafarge, confirms that investing in Moldova now means at least doubling the investment in the next decade.

The European Union is already investing. In the coming years, Moldova will benefit from the Moldova Growth Plan, worth 1.9 billion euros - an ambitious investment package meant to accelerate economic development and prepare us for EU accession.

Our goal is clear: to double Moldova's economy in the next decade and fully harness the transformative power of the European integration.

To achieve this goal, we are modernizing infrastructure, strengthening energy independence and diversifying trade, building a more resilient, stable and investment-friendly Moldova.

But most importantly, we have a government that listens. We listen to investors and find solutions together, removing barriers, adapting policies and ensuring that Moldova remains a reliable and predictable partner for businesses.

Dear friends,

Companies that act first always gain the greatest competitive advantage.

This is your moment to explore, expand and invest in Moldova. And to grow together with the country.

Moldova is open for business. And we are ready to welcome you.

Thank you.