Ирина Маценко
Philip Morris International is approaching its 30th anniversary in Moldova, a milestone at which the conversation about business inevitably goes beyond the corporate agenda. In an interview with Logos Press, Maksym Barabash, Director of Philip Morris in Ukraine and Moldova, talked about radical changes in the tobacco business, investments, local production, regulatory barriers and the company’s priorities in our region.
The Ministry of Finance is analyzing the possibility of introducing taxes on all parcels from foreign marketplaces, including those worth up to 150 euros. This was announced by Minister Victoria Belous at a press conference, noting that all changes will be submitted for public discussions.
LP: – Mr. Swenson, you have been responsible for the development of the Miele brand…
The Miele Experience Center showroom, a unique trade format for premium class appliances, opened in Chisinau, with Miele Export Director Eric Swenson present at its launch. In an exclusive interview for Logos Press, he spoke about the reasons for the expansion, the realities of the market and why Miele had an investment interest.
Vasiliy Lungu is a well-known person in the restaurant business: he owns the cult establishments Mojito, Chernomorka, Teatrul Gastronomic, Piana Vyshnia and the Draft chain. At the same time, he is not a media personality, he does not give interviews and he agreed to the meeting with Logos Press reluctantly. Nevertheless, our conversation took place. What came out of it – in an exclusive interview with LP.
Chisinau hosted Taxcon’25 – the largest conference on taxation, where regulators, business and international experts assessed the country’s fiscal course. This year, the main topics were the harmonization of taxes and excise duties with EU legislation, digitalization of tax administration, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the automation of fiscal systems. For Moldova, which is on its way to the EU, these issues are of key importance: not only the fulfillment of European requirements, but also the ability to support economic growth depends on how the country adjusts its tax levers.
The scandal with SA “Topaz” has received a new round of development. It should be reminded that an unprecedented situation unfolded at this strategic enterprise: raider seizure and deep crisis of management led to a legal vacuum and creation of a dangerous precedent in the corporate practice of RM.
The Chisinau-based bakery Franzeluta, which has long established exports to the United States, has not felt the decrease in supplies to the American market. This was reported to Logos Press by the company’s general director Andrei Beşliu, who noted that in 2024 the export volumes to the US market reached $1.5 million.
In the summer of 2025, ahead of important geopolitical decisions and the EU’s new seven-year budget, Vilnius is increasingly active in European economic discussions. We met with Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of Economy Agile Barzdienė to talk about how the country has changed over 20 years of EU membership, what lessons can be useful for Moldova on its path to integration, and how Vilnius plans to support Chisinau in the European process.
The Council for the Review of Significant Investments for State Security has blocked any possible capital investment related to the Topaz plant, citing security concerns.
A new stationery supermarket “Papirus” was opened in Ciocana sector in Chisinau. This is the fifth store of the chain developed in Moldova by S.C. Birolux-MT.
The Ministry of Finance is considering the possibility of introducing taxes on all parcels from foreign marketplaces, including those worth up to 150 euros. This was announced by Corina Alexa, head of the Main Department of Tax and Customs Policy of the Ministry of Finance, during a meeting of the Economic Press Club dedicated to problems related to E-commerce.
