The European Businesswomen’s Federation PEFA organizes, on September 17, in Chisinau, the Economic Forum Romania – Republic of Moldova F.E.R.M.
The event is held under the aegis of the National Bank of Moldova, in strategic partnership with the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and having as a partner the Association of Investors from Romania in the Republic of Moldova, and is dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the entrepreneurial environment on both banks of the Prut.
During the Forum, the inaugural edition of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index will be launched, a tool for analyzing and monitoring the participation and impact of women in the business environment, intended to provide a clear picture of the opportunities, challenges and development prospects of a country by supporting and promoting female leadership. The index was launched for the first time in Bucharest in May 2025, as a national barometer that collects and analyzes relevant data on the role and presence of women in the economy, their access to resources, financing, entrepreneurial education and decision-making.
Andreea Negru, President of PEFA, stated: “The Economic Forum Romania – Republic of Moldova F.E.R.M. is more than an event, it is a strategic bridge between business leaders, decision-makers and civil society from the two countries. By launching the Women Entrepreneurship Index in Chisinau, we demonstrate that good practice models can become concrete tools for change and that women entrepreneurs have a decisive role in strengthening the economy and female leadership in the Republic of Moldova.”
PEFA First Vice-President Lorena Stoian emphasizes: “The development of a solid economic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is based on the active involvement of women, whose contribution is fundamental. Women have an essential role in strengthening economic relations between the two countries. The Women’s Entrepreneurship Index is an important benchmark, which highlights the real needs of women entrepreneurs and provides clear directions for effective public policies.”
The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Anca Dragu, argues: “Women entrepreneurs bring not only competence and perseverance, but also a transformative vision for the economy and society, and supporting women’s entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and innovation. The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index in Chisinau provides us with a valuable tool to better understand the realities and needs of women in business and to build policies and initiatives that amplify their role in the economy of the Republic of Moldova.”
The strategic nature of the economic cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova was also highlighted by Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova: “Over 1700 companies with Romanian capital are present in the Republic of Moldova and invest trust and resources, provide jobs and create opportunities for sustainable growth of the economic environment. It is the best proof of the fact that the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova constitutes one of the most important engines for the European development of the economy of the Republic of Moldova and society as a whole.”
The Romania-Republic of Moldova Economic Forum F.E.R.M. is organized with the support of partners who will contribute to the debates: BC Moldova Agroindbank SA, OTP Bank, Moldcell, Electrica SA, DO Security, Advanced Business Software, Association for the Development of Indigenous Entrepreneurship ADAA. Institutional partners: Ministry of National Defense, National Agency for Policies and Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions and SME Romania. Media partners: Antena 3 CNN, TVR Moldova, Canal 33, Agerpres, Financial Intelligence, Club Economic, Economistul, Transilvania Business, Ziarul Bursa, I AM News, Business- Review.eu, InvesTenergy, The Diplomat Bucharest, EM360, Club Antreprenor, Focus Energetic, Money.ro, Energy Industry Review, News One, V4 Media, Iubim Brașovul. Press monitoring partner: Klarmedia.
The forum will bring together representatives of the business environment, public institutions and international organizations and civil society, providing a framework for partnerships and joint projects that will stimulate economic development and regional integration.
AGENDA of ROMANIA-REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA ECONOMIC FORUM – F.E.R.M.
10.00-10.45- Official opening- Moderator Lorena Stoian- First Vice-President of PEFA
Official speeches:
- Maia Sandu- President of the Republic of Moldova (tbc)
- Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Moldova
- Anca Dragu- Governor of the National Bank of Moldova
- Andreea Negru- President of PEFA- Launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index
- Doina Nistor – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization
- Eduard Bachide- Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense, Romania
- Florin Jianu- Honorary President of SME Romania
- Sterică Fudulea- President of the Economic and Social Council of Romania
10.45-11.30- Panel I- FinanciarELE- Moderator Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova
- Andreea Negru- President of PEFA
- Valeria Belous- Minister of Finance of the Republic of Moldova
- Stela Recean- Vice President of BC Moldova Agroindbank SA
- Galina Cicanci- Country Manager IFC
11.30-12.15- Panel II- Development of bilateral relations Romania- Republic of Moldova- Moderator Lorena Stoian, First Vice President of PEFA
- Carolina Bugaian- CEO Moldcell/ President of A.F.A.M.
- Alexandru Chirita- CEO Electrica Romania
- Bogdan- Daniel Spuză- President of the Executive Committee- CEO OTP Bank S.A.
- Manuela Mihai- Colonel, Head of Gender Equality Management Office, Ministry of National Defense Romania
- Rareș-Petru Achiriloaie- President of the National Agency for Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions
12.15-13.00 Networking