Head of state says Moldovans must build economy where well-educated people can find opportunities at home

President Maia Sandu today participated in the event dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the foundation of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM). The head of state, a graduate of the Academy, spoke about the institution’s contribution to educating generations of specialists, as well as the role of universities in preparing the country for the economic and technological changes of the present.

The Moldovan president recalled that ASEM had been founded practically at the same time as the Republic of Moldova, during a period when the country was transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy and building its institutions from scratch. Over its 35 years of activity, the Academy has trained generations of economists, managers, accountants and financiers who work in companies and banks, state institutions, and international organizations, or have developed their own businesses at home and abroad.

President Maia Sandu emphasized that the world was once again undergoing deep transformations driven by the rapid development of technology, artificial intelligence, the energy transition, climate change and geopolitical tensions. In the context, education must provide young people not only with knowledge, but also with the ability to think critically, verify information, understand the context and make responsible decisions.

At the same time, the head of state noted that, unlike at the beginning of the 1990s, Moldova now has strong partners and a clear development direction—European integration. The country’s economy is becoming increasingly connected to the European Union market, but capitalizing on these opportunities depends on the Moldova’s ability to produce more, more competitively and with greater added value. “Access to a large market does not, by itself, guarantee prosperity. We must have something to offer this market: we must produce more, more competitively, and with greater added value here, in Moldova. And we must have people capable of creating this change,” the Moldovan president said.

In this process, ASEM and other higher education institutions have an essential role. The head of state called for closer ties between universities and the real economy, as well as between academia, companies, entrepreneurs and public institutions. She also emphasized the importance of developing economic research adapted to the realities, vulnerabilities and advantages of Moldova. “We must build an economy where well-educated people can find opportunities to work, conduct research, start a business and invest. An economy where a young person is not forced to choose between a successful career and life at home,” the president  stressed.

In conclusion, President Maia Sandu thanked the professors, graduates and everyone who had contributed to the development of the Academy over its 35 years. The head of state also mentioned the contribution of ASEM’s first rector, economist and professor Paul Bran, who came from Romania to support the creation and development of the institution. “To everyone who is part of this wonderful community today, I wish you success in carrying forward everything that has been built here. Happy anniversary, ASEM!” the president added.