China, Moldova prepare new cooperation projects; Chinese Ambassador: “We are ready to deepen relations”

Moldova and China aim to deepen cooperation in more areas, from trade and agriculture to energy, healthcare, education and culture, as next year will mark 35 years since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. China’s Ambassador to Moldova Dong Zhihua and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu in Chisinau today made statements to this effect at a reception dedicated to the National Day of the People’s Republic of China.

In her address, Ambassador Dong Zhihua said that the relations between the two countries had made “encouraging progress” in 2026 and listed more areas in which cooperation had boosted.

“China is ready to work with Moldova, in order to deepen cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, agriculture, energy, healthcare, education, culture and tourism, expand exchanges at all levels, and turn an increasing number of shared cooperation visions into concrete results,” the Chinese diplomat said.

According to Dong Zhihua, this year Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi paid an official visit to China, where he had talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In addition, a multiparty parliamentary delegation visited China.

The ambassador also noted the intensification of cultural exchanges. The Happy Chinese New Year troupe and the Chinese National Opera, which presented the performance Turandot in Moldova, held events that were well received by the public. The Chinese Embassy also organized the China Day event in Chisinau for the first time, while more schools of Moldova introduced Chinese language courses.

“Chinese new energy vehicles have enjoyed particular popularity in Moldova,” the ambassador added.

The diplomat also spoke about her visits to more regions of Moldova, noting that she had traveled to Soroca, Balti, Gagauzia, Ungheni, Causeni and Anenii Noi, where she visited schools, hospitals, farms, factories and wineries.

An important part of the ambassador’s speech focused on cooperation projects and access for Moldovan products to the Chinese market. According to Dong Zhihua, grape-seed flour and sunflower-seed flour from Moldova are already being exported to China, while agreements on the export of honey, cherries and grape seeds have been reached in principle.

China also supports Moldova’s participation, for the first time with a national pavilion, in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. According to the ambassador, the event could serve as a platform for promoting Moldovan wines, agricultural products and other traditional products on the Chinese market.

Dong Zhihua also mentioned projects in the fields of healthcare and social protection. The third phase of the Chinese Traditional Medicine Center was officially launched, while a rehabilitation and assistive technology project for people with disabilities, carried out in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is scheduled to be launched.

For his part, Igor Grosu emphasized that Moldovan-Chinese relations had developed for more than three decades on the basis of dialogue and cooperation.

“For more than three decades, Moldova and the People’s Republic of China have built relations based on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation in various fields,” the parliament speaker said.

Igor Grosu particularly highlighted the trade potential and Chisinau’s interest in expanding exports to the Chinese market.

“We are interested in increasing and diversifying Moldovan exports to the Chinese market, as well as facilitating access for our quality products—especially Moldovan wines, fruits and vegetables—to consumers in China,” the speaker noted.

The parliament speaker also mentioned the cooperation at the International Organization of Vine and Wine. Last year, Moldova hosted the 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine in Chisinau, while in October the Chinese city of Yinchuan will host the 47th edition, for the first time in Asia.

In the context, Igor Grosu invited members of the diplomatic corps and tourists to take part in the National Wine Day, due to be held in Moldova on October 3–4.

The speaker also noted the cultural premiere represented by the Chinese National Opera’s performance of Turandot in Moldova.

“I would also like to express my conviction that the project to modernize the stage of the National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Chisinau will be successfully completed with the help of the Chinese people,” Igor Grosu said.

In her speech, Ambassador Dong Zhihua also presented data on the Chinese economy. According to the diplomat, China’s GDP grew by 4.7 per cent in the first half of 2026, while industries related to artificial intelligence recorded growth of more than 30 per cent. She said that Beijing aims to expand economic openness and liberalize trade and investment.

The reception took place in the context of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The diplomatic relations between Moldova and the People’s Republic of China were established on January 30, 1992. Next year, will mark 35 years since diplomatic relations were established between Moldova and China. According to the two officials, this anniversary provides a new context for expanding the bilateral cooperation.

China’s National Day is annually celebrated on October 1, marking the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.