Sergiu Harea
The event provided a platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors on issues relating to the development and prospects of national industry, business support policies, investment, access to raw materials, human capital development, innovation, standardisation, digitalisation and the integration of Moldovan products into European Union markets.
Industry – a strategic sector for economic development
At the opening of the conference, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan emphasised the importance of enterprises adapting to new economic and technological conditions, as well as strengthening their competitiveness.
‘Today, industry is no longer just about production capacity, but also about technological modernisation and new methods of boosting productivity. Over the past six months, industrial production has grown by 8 per cent, whilst exports have risen by 16 per cent. However, these results must not lead us to ignore the challenges facing the economy, including the situation in the energy sector and the labour shortage,” said Vasile Tofan.
The Prime Minister called on companies to adapt their strategies to the new conditions and not to view state subsidies as the only solution in difficult times. At the same time, he noted that the authorities must create more favourable conditions for businesses to operate, including by reducing the number of tax audits, lowering the tax burden on labour and raising the thresholds applicable to the business environment.
Direct dialogue and investment
In his speech, Sergiu Haria, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova, emphasised the ongoing work of the Dialog PRO-Industrie platform and its role in maintaining direct and continuous dialogue between the business community and the authorities.
“Industry needs favourable conditions for investment, predictable government policy and support instruments tailored to the real needs of businesses. Direct dialogue between businesses and the authorities is essential for identifying concrete solutions and enhancing the competitiveness of national industry,” noted Sergiu Haria.
He highlighted a number of initiatives and proposals being promoted by the Chamber to support manufacturers and develop the industrial sector. These include:
– the development of support measures designed for large companies that make a significant contribution to investment, exports and job creation, as well as generating orders and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises;
– encouraging private investment in renewable energy, as well as the development of biofuel and biomass production;
– relaunching the regional state investment support programme and increasing its budget from 2 to 4 billion lei;
– developing industrial parks and platforms;
– improving waste management;
– drafting a new law to combat unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain, aimed at helping to restore market balance and develop the agri-food sector.
“Labour productivity in Moldova remains low, and this directly affects the competitiveness of our enterprises. It is therefore important to invest more in modern technologies, automation, digitalisation and staff training. At the same time, we need a closer link between the education system and the real needs of enterprises. Improving productivity must become one of our top priorities if we are to have a more competitive industry that is better prepared for the European market,” said Sergiu Haria.
Priorities of the Industrial Development Programme
The conference agenda included topical issues for the industrial sector, such as industrial policy and investment support mechanisms, access to raw materials, human capital, innovation and technology transfer, standardisation and quality infrastructure, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
The conference took place at a crucial stage in the implementation of the National Industrial Development Programme for 2024–2028, including in connection with the update of the Action Plan for the period 2027–2028.
In this context, Dialog PRO-Industrie provided a framework for assessing the progress made, discussing the challenges reported by businesses, and identifying measures requiring further attention from the authorities and the business community.
Participants analysed the evolution of industrial sectors, the policies needed to enhance competitiveness, support mechanisms for businesses, access to raw materials, attracting investment, and priorities for the next phase of the Programme’s implementation.
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