The second edition of the Economic Forum Romania-Republic of Moldova F.E.R.M. , organized by the European Employers’ Association of Business Women – PEFA, under the aegis of the National Bank of Moldova, in institutional partnership with the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova and with the support of AFAM and AIR, brought together in Chisinau representatives of public authorities, the diplomatic environment, the financial-banking sector, industry, infrastructure, research and entrepreneurial environment from the two states. The event marked a new step in strengthening the economic relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and created the framework for an applied dialogue on investments, financing, innovation, internationalization of companies and the development of joint projects on the two banks of the Prut.
At the official opening of the F.E.R.M., Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, spoke about the role of the financial-banking system in capitalizing on the bilateral economic potential: “The economic cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Romania has an important potential, and the financial-banking system can contribute decisively to capitalizing on it. Stability, transparency and trust are the foundation of sustainable investments. It is essential to develop modern financing instruments, to facilitate entrepreneurs’ access to capital and to encourage initiatives capable of generating added value, competitiveness and long-term development.”
The Forum also presented the conclusions of the Female Entrepreneurship and Leadership Index, a study conducted by PEFA, which highlighted the points of convergence between the business environments in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, as well as the economic potential that can be capitalized through closer cooperation. In the FinanciarELE panel, moderated by the Governor of the NBM and with Natalia Bejan, Director of the Moldovan Investment Agency, as a guest, the discussions also addressed the economic cost of gender inequality and the impact of women’s access to finance and decision-making positions on the competitiveness of the economy.
“At the National Bank of Moldova we support initiatives that encourage a wider participation of women in the economy and in the decision-making process. Because a modern European economy is built through competence, trust and equal opportunities to contribute to its development,” said Anca Dragu.
Andreea Negru, president of the European Business Women’s Employers’ Association – PEFA, underlined the objective of the F.E.R.M. to evolve from an annual event to a permanent platform for economic cooperation: “Romania and the Republic of Moldova are united by history, language, culture and common values. However, we have the responsibility to transform
this rapprochement into a real economic force, capable of generating investments, jobs and prosperity on both banks of the Prut. The second edition of the Forum has shown us that there is interest, energy and openness for building sustainable partnerships. We want the Romania-Republic of Moldova Economic Forum to become a permanent platform for dialogue, where we will present, from one year to the next, not only intentions, but also investments made, companies developed and successful projects built together.”
Present at the Forum, His Excellency Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, said: “Strengthening the economic ties between the two banks of the Prut is not business as usual. It is a strategic objective: more interconnection, more investments, more joint projects and deeper economic integration. We already have a strong investment presence and an ever-growing entrepreneurial interest on both sides of the Prut. The next step is to transform this energy into joint projects, long-term investments and value chains that will integrate us more and more deeply into the European market.”
Lorena Stoian, First Vice-President of PEFA, highlighted the importance of the direct relationship between the entrepreneurial environment and institutions: “Entrepreneurship is built through trust, collaboration and the ability to bring people, ideas and opportunities together. Through F.E.R.M. we have created a space for dialogue between entrepreneurs, companies and institutions from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, from which partnerships and concrete projects can be born. Because the true measure of F.E.R.M.’s success is what we manage to build together after the end of the event.”
Present at the official opening, MP Vali Priceputu, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Entrepreneurship and Tourism of the Chamber of Deputies, said: “The Romania-Republic of Moldova Economic Forum responds to a real need for dialogue and cooperation between the business environments of the two states. I want this initiative to become a permanent platform and that, every year, we will meet again in Chisinau to present the results of the partnerships started in previous editions: investments made, companies developed, newly created jobs and successful businesses built together. Romania will continue to be a firm partner of the Republic of Moldova in its European path and in the process of economic consolidation.”
Another important topic of the Forum was the role of technology, research and digitalization in increasing the competitiveness of companies and modernizing the administration.
Victor Vevera, General Manager of ICI Bucharest, said: “Digital transformation can accelerate cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and reduce barriers between companies, institutions and markets. Through research, innovation and technology transfer we can build more efficient public services, more competitive companies and secure digital infrastructures. ICI Bucharest supports the development of joint projects and the exchange of expertise, so that technology becomes a real tool for economic integration and European rapprochement.”
PEFA’s partner in the development of entrepreneurial dialogue in Chisinau, Carolina Bugaian, president of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Moldova – AFAM, spoke about the contribution of women to the development of the business environment: “The partnership between AFAM and PEFA offers women entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova and Romania access to a strong community, experience, contacts and new opportunities for collaboration. Women should not be seen only as beneficiaries of economic policies, but as leaders, investors and job creators. Through cooperation, mentoring and better access to finance, we can increase the number of women-led businesses and their contribution to the economy of the two states.”
The second panel, dedicated to the development of bilateral relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, brought together leaders from the industrial and financial-banking sectors, representatives of the Romanian state institutions and partners from the Republic of Moldova. The discussions focused on investment opportunities, the identification of joint projects, the barriers faced by entrepreneurs and the development of mechanisms through which public institutions and the private sector can collaborate more efficiently. The participants discussed the need to continue the institutional and entrepreneurial dialogue and the importance of developing an active economic community, capable of transforming geographical proximity, historical ties and common values into economic and competitive advantages. By organizing the Romania-Republic of Moldova Economic Forum, PEFA reaffirms its commitment to facilitate cooperation between business communities, to support the internationalization of companies and to contribute to the development of an economic area increasingly connected to the European market and values.
The Romania-Republic of Moldova Economic Forum benefited from the involvement of strategic, institutional partners and important companies from Romania and the Republic of Moldova, including: BCR, Garanti BBVA, maib, OTP Bank, Team Montage, Baumit, PPC, Austrotherm, Electrica, Moldcell, UP, Association for the Development of Domestic Entrepreneurship – ADAA, AES and DO Security. Institutional partners: Department for Sustainable Development, SME Romania and ICI Bucharest. Media partners: Antena 3 CNN, AGERPRES, Financial Intelligence, Club Economic, Economistul, CursDeGuvernare, Transilvania Business, Ziarul BURSA, I AM Sport, Știripesurse.ro, InvesTenergy, Profit.ro, News.ro, The Diplomat, EM360, Club Entrepreneur, Focus Energetic, Money.ro, Energy Industry Review, News One, V4Media and Iubim Brasovul Group.