Moldovan PM discusses with entrepreneurs from southern region, visits more local businesses

Business development in the regions, increasing productivity and exports, as well as reducing bureaucracy have been the main topics addressed by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan during his dialogue with entrepreneurs from south Moldova. At a working visit to Taraclia District and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, the PM met representatives of the business community and visited the “Milina” and “Bas Steel Profile” enterprises from Taraclia and “Banzai” in Ceadar-Lunga.

During the meeting with businesspeople from the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, the discussions focused on the conditions necessary for developing enterprises and enhancing their competitiveness. Entrepreneurs addressed issues related to tax policy and taxation, facilitating exports and removing bureaucratic barriers.

On visit, Vasile Tofan learned about the activities of two enterprises that had developed their production in the regions where they were founded, created jobs, and expanded their presence in foreign markets.

In Taraclia, the prime minister visited the “Milina” company, which specializes in the production of bread and bakery products. The business was founded in 1994, starting as a small confectionery workshop that laid the foundation for the first bakery. Today, the company has six bread factories—three in Taraclia and one each in Comrat, Anenii Noi, and Drochia—and employs approximately 700 people. In 2024, the company built one of the country’s largest logistics complexes for storing and distributing frozen food products in the village of Piatra Alba, Ialoveni district.

The company produces more than 230 types of bread, pastry products and frozen semi-finished products meant for both consumers and the hospitality sector. Production is largely automated, and “Milina” products are exported to 11 countries. The discussions also addressed the need to simplify procedures affecting exports. One example highlighted was the repeated certification of the same batch of goods, a procedure that, in the case of “Milina,” can delay the export of products by between 5 and 14 days.

Also, in Taraclia, the PM visited the “Bas Steel Profile” factory, which transforms steel sheet coils into pipes and tubular profiles. Approximately 60 per cent of its production is exported. Prime Minister Tofan emphasized, in this context, the need to expand quotas that would allow such companies to export more to the EU market.

In Ceadar-Lunga, the prime minister visited the “Banzai” enterprise, which specializes in the production and packaging of snacks. Launched in 2007, the business has gradually diversified its production, which currently includes sunflower and pumpkin seeds, peanuts, pistachios, almonds, corn and other products.

The enterprise provides more than 200 jobs, while “Banzai” products are sold both in Moldova and abroad. The company’s exports to the European Union are growing, with Romania being its main foreign market.

“Products manufactured in Moldova are competitive. The role of the state is to help those who invest, produce and create jobs to grow more easily. When our companies gain new markets and export more, all of Moldova benefits,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasized.