Moldovans discover China: stories, impressions, new opportunities for cooperation

The People's Republic of China (PRC), located thousands of kilometers away from Moldova, is becoming increasingly known to the Moldovan public. More and more learning opportunities and events organized by the Chinese side, accessible thanks to the support provided by the PRC Embassy in Chisinau, provides the participants  with a new perspective on this country. The quick pace of economic growth, modern business development practices and a responsible approach to the environment impress Moldovans who visit China. Their impressions: what they saw, what surprised them and what they think about Chinese realities, were publicly presented at a conference organized in Chisinau by the Chinese Embassy.

Smart Transport and Many Green Spaces

China successfully develops its transport industry, manufacturing smart buses. At the same time, the Chinese care for nature, arranging parks and green spaces in major cities, with economic development going hand in hand with environmental protection measures. "The Chinese are diligent, it's impeccably clean there," said a  former MP. Petru Frunze, who had the opportunity to visit China repeatedly with parliamentary delegations, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, as well as local elected officials. The official says that he was impressed that one of the owners of the smart bus manufacturing company highlighted Moldovan wines. Returning from his two trips to China, the former deputy argues that Moldova should fully capitalize on cooperation opportunities with the People's Republic of China:

Petru Frunze, former lawmaker: "I visited important cities in China, enterprises producing goods sold in Moldova. I've seen China's evolution. Economic policies have been effective, providing high economic output. I attended a seminar on smart transport, learning that Chinese policies propelled the development of infrastructure and transport, ensuring Chinese citizens enjoy safe, high-quality passenger transport services, as well as an efficient and development-supportive road network. While China invests heavily in the industry, green spaces are not neglected. There are many green spaces in large cities, providing clean air. People breathe oxygen, with opportunities for walks in well-arranged parks, and there's pristine cleanliness in China. The Chinese people prove they are diligent in their homes and benefit from good living conditions in both public and private spaces."

High Level of Security: "You Can Leave Your Bag Anywhere and Find It Unharmed"

During organized visits to major Chinese cities, Moldovan citizens have learned about how China is built and how its reality differs from daily life in Moldova. The high level of security was impressive. You can leave your bag anywhere and find it in the same place, says young journalist Roxolana Golea, who participated in a programme organized by the Chinese side for representatives from more countries.

Roxolana Golea, journalist: "I was in China for a five-month programme, representing Moldova. There were also 90 representatives from different countries. They showed us how China is built and how different it is from what we are used to in Europe and here in Moldova. We visited cultural, political institutions, Chinese provinces, got to know Chinese traditions and cuisine. We even tried on traditional Chinese costumes. Every day we had various activities to better understand Chinese culture. I was impressed by the level of security in China. You could leave a bag or backpack in the middle of a mall and return in two hours to find it untouched. It's safe and comfortable."

Chinese Investments in Criuleni: A Photovoltaic Park Bringing Millions of Lei Annually

In Criuleni, a photovoltaic park was set up with China’s support. The project was almost fully funded by Chinese partners, who also installed the park in a relatively short time. The investment was fully capitalized on, says Roman Onică, vice-president of Criuleni district, who said that the photovoltaic park provided an annual income of 3.5 million lei, which local authorities redirect towards other socially important areas, such as education and medical assistance.

Roman Onică, vice-president of Criuleni district: "The photovoltaic park with a 2.8-megawatt capacity was built based on an agreement with the Chinese government. We were fortunate to be selected; together with the Criuleni town hall, we provided an eight-hectare area for this project. All equipment was transported from China by sea, with 35 trucks of equipment for this project. Our colleagues from China completed this project from start to finish in 2021, with works lasting exactly three months. The project's value is 4.5 million dollars, 95 per cent funded by the Chinese government. We contributed by ensuring connections to electrical networks and infrastructure."

Business Environment, Open for Deepened Cooperation: "The Pace of China's Development is Impressive"

The business environment of Moldova openly declares its willingness for deepened cooperation with the People's Republic of China. China's fast development pace and business practices are impressive, says Mariana Bejenari, director of a Moldovan company who participated in a seminar for businesswomen in China.

Mariana Bejenari, director of a Moldovan company: "I have visited China more times, and in my view, China stays a rapidly developing country, with a robust infrastructure for all of us. The way China successfully combines long-term development is an example we want for Moldova, and we wish to learn from China how to achieve this. I attended a seminar for women in business, a large-scale and very useful event that offered perfect expertise, well-explained models and business practices from China. This project had a significant impact on my understanding and implementing these practices in Moldova."

China Combines Traditions with Modernization

Moldovans who visited China appreciate the Chinese people's hospitable spirit. They say they were warmly received, with well-organized events. Valeria Sașcova, representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Moldova, says that the programme she attended in China provided her with a deep understanding of how China combines traditions with modernization.

Valeria Sașcova, representative, Civil Aviation Authority of Moldova: "The seminar agenda was rich and well-structured, offering valuable insights into China's modernization approach, long-term development strategies and innovations in the civil aviation sector. From lectures by distinguished professors of Northwestern Polytechnic University to visits to institutions like the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), China Eastern Airlines, and Shaanxi Jinyu Aviation Technology, the programme provided a comprehensive view of how strategic planning and sustained state development shape China's dynamic progress in civil aviation. We returned home with new perspectives, strengthened skills and lasting professional connections."

Durable Academic Cooperation: Master's in "Oriental Studies" at FRIȘPA

The Faculty of International Relations, Political and Administrative Sciences (FRIȘPA) of the Moldova State University (USM) is an institution with traditions in education. Students and professors are dedicated to studying and analyzing geopolitics, public policies, academic information and the European integration process. "This international openness motivates us to develop new strategic partnerships, including with institutions of China, playing an essential role in the contemporary global system," says the faculty's dean, Alexandru Solcan, who visited China for academic events. According to Solcan, FRIȘPA has also developed a cooperation plan with the Chinese Embassy in Moldova, involving students’ mobility and the introduction of an Oriental Studies master's program.

Alexandru Solcan, Dean of FRIȘPA: "Together with the Chinese Embassy, we aim to build lasting academic cooperation focused on experience exchanges, mobility programmes, joint cultural initiatives and research that can strengthen mutual understanding. We believe that a structured academic dialogue in such areas as diplomacy, digital transformation, public governance or security studies can generate significant benefits for both the USM and its partners. We submitted a cooperation plan, providing for academic cooperation and mobility, to the Chinese Embassy.  We aim to facilitate students' access to new opportunities, such as an Oriental Studies master's programme, which is quite necessary. We propose access to Chinese government scholarships, internships at the Confucius Institute, conferences and round tables."

Academic Mobility at USMF: "Chinese Medicine Can Complement Conventional Treatment"

Future doctors from Moldova, students at the Nicolae Testemitanu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF), visit China as part of an academic mobility programme. "Chinese medicine can complement conventional treatment," says Lucia Fișer, head of the Chinese Medicine Center. The center was established at USMF in 2011 with the support of the Chinese Embassy in Chisinau.

Lucia Fișer, head of the Chinese Medicine Center: "The Chinese medicine center is not only curative, but also academic. Here, students and resident doctors receive training. In the last two years, academic mobilities between USMF and Chinese medical universities have taken place. These projects wouldn't be possible without the Chinese people's support and the PRC Embassy in Moldova, for which we are deeply grateful. Chinese medicine has excelled in complementing conventional treatment with very safe and effective approaches, aiming for broader patient access. At least acupuncture should be covered by insurance, as found in some European countries."

China aims to accelerate economic development and modernization, focusing on improving citizens' living conditions, inviting Moldova to join China's "fast train" of development. The invitation was made by Dong Zhihua, China's new Ambassador to Moldova, at a press conference on December 5. The ambassador presented her mandate’s priorities, discussed China's strategic development plan for the next five years and new cooperation opportunities with Moldova.