Anca Dragoo
The event, organized by the European Patronage of Women Entrepreneurs (PEFA) under the auspices of the National Bank of Moldova in partnership with the Romanian Embassy in Chisinau, brought together high-ranking officials, economic leaders and entrepreneurs from both banks of the Prut.
Opening the event, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that Romania is the most important investor for the country, investing more than 250 million euros annually in Moldova. At the same time, more than 1,700 companies with Romanian capital operate on the Moldovan market. The head of state stressed that accelerated digitalization and fiscal reforms make Moldova more business-friendly.
“Moldova is open for investments and growth, which would not be possible without the implementation of projects with Romania that change people’s lives for the better. We have an energy interconnection that links us to the European market. We are finalizing the construction of the Chisinau-Vulcanesti power transmission line and preparing two other transmission lines. We have repaired bridges and are building new ones, renovated roads and railroads, and launched infrastructure projects that bring our communities closer together and open new economic opportunities,” Maia Sandu said.
NBM President Anca Dragu said in her speech that the Romania-Moldova Economic Forum emphasizes “a common vision of a prosperous European future”. She noted that the development of a competitive investment climate is based on policies and initiatives that are based on the principles of fairness. The NBM head emphasized the institution’s commitment to the process of compliance with European standards and the success achieved by Moldova’s admission to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which means faster and more accessible transactions for citizens and companies.
“SEPA integration reinforces the process of modernizing and aligning the payment system with European standards, which started with the launch of MIA Instant Payments. I have the honor to lead an institution whose mission is to ensure financial stability and which is at the same time the architect of the transformation of the Moldovan financial system in line with European standards. Our mission goes beyond the traditional responsibilities of a central bank: we are agents of a modern, digital and inclusive economy,” Anca Dragu said.
Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Cristian-Leon Turcanu emphasized the importance of the bilateral economic partnership, a dialogue that benefits all the citizens from both banks of the Prut and covers all the fields necessary for the development of the society. He said that the forum brings together future business partners, business ideas and initiatives for sustainable economic growth, encourages and recognizes the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the economic development of the society.
During the event, the first edition of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index, an analysis and monitoring tool that assesses the participation and influence of women in the business environment, was officially launched. Also, 2 discussion panels were organized: the first one – FinanciarELE – on the topic of balanced leadership for a strong economy, while the second one discussed the development of bilateral relations between Moldova and Romania and the prospects of cooperation in energy, banking, defense and social protection.
