UNCTAD cites this data, emphasizing that FDI attracted last year is 3.6% lower than in 2023 ($357 million). And well below the post-pandemic peak of $591 million in 2022 (-41.8%). Last year’s result is also below the 2019-2024 average of about $395 million (-12.9%).
At the same time, Moldovan investments abroad rose to $100 million, the highest level in recent years, up from $15 million in 2023 (+567%). Analysts believe that this reflects not only an increase in regional activity and diversification of local companies, but also bears signs of business flight from the country.
Accumulated foreign direct investment (FDI) in Moldova’s economy fell slightly to $5.39 billion in 2024 (from $5.46 billion in 2023, (-1.2%), while Moldovan investment abroad rose to $494 million (+25%). The combination of weaker inflows and rising outflows indicates a tighter capital balance compared to 2023.
UNCTAD experts note that the phenomenon is regional in nature, and the fall in foreign direct investment in Moldova was more moderate than in neighboring countries: Romania -15.0%, Ukraine -25.8%, Bulgaria -38.3%. At the same time, Georgia registered a fourfold increase, Serbia +14.6%.
