AGERPRES INTERVIEW // Moldovan PM: “We are major energy importers; every external shock worsens the situation”

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan says that every shock on the international energy market seriously affects his country’s economy, thus justifying the need to declare a state of emergency.



In an interview with the AGERPRES National News Agency, he has said that Moldova’s energy imports account for 10 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



Vasile Tofan also thanked Romania for the support provided in the energy sector.



On the other hand, referring to the political crisis in Romania, the Moldovan PM said that, regardless of the vote the parliament would cast on designated Prime Minister Siegfried Muresan, Moldova would respect the decision of the legislature in Bucharest. “We have a very good relationship with Romania, regardless of what happens in Bucharest. We hope that this strategic, but more than strategic, fraternal relationship (...) will continue, regardless of who the new prime minister will be in  Bucharest,” the Moldovan prime minister said.





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AGERPRES: You said that Moldova should be viewed as an extension of the Romanian market. What does this concretely mean for a Romanian entrepreneur who wants to invest in Moldova?



Vasile Tofan: What I meant is that many investors look at Moldova as a country of fewer than three million people (editor’s note). What I wanted to say is that, in fact, we can be seen as a gateway to much larger markets. The strategic partnership we have with Romania allows investors from Moldova to access the Romanian market, as well as potentially participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Therefore, it is important to position ourselves as an export and trade platform, not merely as a small market of three million people.



AGERPRES: As for the speeding up of your accession to the European Union, what is the reform that you should carry out and implement immediately at this point?



Vasile Tofan: You should know that, in fact, we are good students, to quote our colleagues in the European Council, when it comes to implementing reforms. We expect a positive report from the European Commission at the end of October, because, in fact, we have made significant progress in harmonizing the legislation and applying the acquis.



I also have an important request here, and we are relying heavily on Romania’s support throughout this process. Romania is a strong country, with an important voice in the European Union and, very importantly, in the European Council. When Moldova’s future is decided, regarding whether or not we move forward, we hope Romania will speak out firmly, just as it has done so far. We are counting greatly on Romania’s support throughout this process.



AGERPRES: Is there a reform that requires immediate and urgent implementation?



Vasile Tofan: In fact, we are doing well when it comes to reforms. Where we still have work to do, I believe, is with regard to major projects and infrastructure projects, where we are still unable to achieve the pace I would like in terms of how quickly things are being done.



AGERPRES: Romania is a strategic partner. Does the current political crisis in Romania affect the bilateral relations and, potentially, joint investments?



Vasile Tofan: We have a very good relationship with Romania, regardless of what happens in Bucharest. We hope that this strategic, but more than strategic, fraternal relationship, I would say, will continue, regardless of who the new prime minister will be in Bucharest.



AGERPRES: Would you like a measure to be adopted by the Romanian parliament on next Wednesday?



Vasile Tofan: You should know that this is the decision of Romania’s voters and parliamentarians. We will respect any decision, and I can only assure you that, on our part, we will be fully open and highly constructive. We are counting on the same constructive approach on behalf of Romania, which has always been quiote sound for Chisinau.



AGERPRES: You requested the declaration of a state of emergency in Moldova due to energy and water-related problems. What risk is Moldova currently facing?



Vasile Tofan: The risks are high. We are major energy importers. Our energy imports account for almost 10 per cent of the GDP, and that is why, every external shock obviously worsens the situation.



On this occasion, I would like to thank Romania for its openness to fuel exports, particularly diesel, from Romanian refineries. But we also relying heavily on the Neptun Deep gas project becoming operational as soon as possible next year, which will also contribute to our energy independence. Obviously, we will pay market prices for it, but it is a more attractive source than buying gas on the Dutch exchange.



AGERPRES: Are you considering additional measures to help the population?



Vasile Tofan: Yes, we must do so. Last year, we covered approximately 620,000 households through our compensation programme, and this year, regardless of how tight our budget may be, we must intervene to meet the needs of the most vulnerable families.