Vasile Tofan
“We want Ukrainian businesses to become stronger. And if the Republic of Moldova can contribute to this objective, we are open to doing so. We can contribute by developing additional logistics routes and production platforms, or by facilitating access to the markets of Romania and the Balkans. In particular, to Romania – an economy with a GDP of over 450 billion dollars, to which we are linked by a common language, infrastructure and close economic ties. For Ukrainian entrepreneurs, the Republic of Moldova can serve as a platform for expanding their businesses into the Romanian market, within a familiar cultural environment,” said Tofan at the Economica Forum in Kyiv.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the Republic of Moldova can help maintain Ukrainian supply chains and exports by developing alternative routes and logistics infrastructure. He noted that the war has disrupted traditional trade routes and heightened the importance of connections to European markets.
Logistics centres and alternative routes
The Prime Minister stated that the Republic of Moldova is prepared to collaborate with the Ukrainian business community to develop logistics centres and storage facilities on its territory. These would support the operations of Ukrainian companies, without replacing the infrastructure in Ukraine.
“Russia is systematically destroying Ukraine’s ports and logistics infrastructure. Today, every alternative route is a matter of economic security. (…) And we are ready to work together to improve infrastructure, reduce border crossing times and develop new logistics routes. We are also ready to develop, together with the Ukrainian business community, logistics centres and storage facilities in the Republic of Moldova. Given that Russia is systematically attacking Ukraine’s logistics infrastructure, these facilities could provide additional support for your companies, helping to maintain supply chains and exports. Not to replace Ukraine’s infrastructure, but to support its continued operation,” the Prime Minister noted.
Moldova must become more attractive to investors
Tofan acknowledged that the small size of the domestic market limits the Republic of Moldova’s potential, which is why the country must compete through swift procedures, simple rules and an investor-friendly approach:
“For many years, I myself was the investor waiting for a response from a civil servant. Now I find myself on the other side of the table and I remember very well how frustrating this can be. That is why we are working to make the state more efficient, faster and more predictable. And we will openly support joint projects with the Ukrainian business community.”
In his speech, the Prime Minister also referred to his nearly 15 years’ experience of investing in and developing businesses in Ukraine. He reaffirmed his confidence in the country’s economic potential, despite the war, and emphasised that Ukraine has an important role to play in the shared European future.
“Ukraine needs the European Union. But the European Union also needs Ukraine. It needs its industry, its technologies and its entrepreneurs. It needs its experience, its strength and its indomitable spirit. Europe will be stronger alongside Ukraine,” concluded Vasile Tofan.
This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.
Follow our updates
Have information for the newsroom? Share it with Logos-Press
Comments
0No comments yet. You can start the conversation.
Comments are open to readers with a Logos Press account.
Sign in to comment