By Magda Purice

Copyright thediplomat

The first edition of the Romania – Republic of Moldova Economic Forum (F.E.R.M.), organized by the European Businesswomen’s Federation (PEFA), under the aegis of the National Bank of Moldova (BNM) and in partnership with the Romanian Embassy in Chisinau, brought together over 200 high-level officials, economic leaders and entrepreneurs from both banks of the Prut. The forum aimed to stimulate investments, promote female entrepreneurship and align economic policies with European standards.

President Maia Sandu, present at the event, noted that, in recent years, economic ties between Romania and the Republic of Moldova have been substantially strengthened. Thus, Romania has become the most important investor in the Republic of Moldova, with over 250 million euros invested annually and over 1,700 companies active on the market. “These data reflect not only the strength of our relationship, but also the fact that the Republic of Moldova is gradually becoming a more business-friendly country. It is a growth that would not have been possible if we had not implemented, together with Romania, projects that change people’s lives for the better,” emphasized President Maia Sandu.

His Excellency Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “Through dialogue, collaboration and joint projects, through the valuable contribution of women entrepreneurs to economic development, we are building together a prosperous, secure and connected society to European values.”

Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, emphasized that the development of a competitive investment climate is based on principles of equity, transparency and alignment with European standards. “The integration of the Republic of Moldova into SEPA and the launch of MIA Instant Payments are clear examples of the transformation of our financial system towards a modern, digital and inclusive architecture.”

A special moment during the forum was the launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index, a tool that assesses the impact and role of women in the economy, public life, society and politics.

Andreea Negru, President of PEFA, said: “By launching the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index in Chisinau, we demonstrate that models of good practice can become concrete instruments of change and that female entrepreneurship has a decisive role in strengthening the economy and leadership in the Republic of Moldova. The index provides clear directions for effective public policies that will stimulate a modern, European economy.”

Eduard Bachide, Secretary of State in the Ministry of National Defense, stated: “Peace, equality, the important role of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiation processes and post-conflict reconstruction are topics on which our attention is focused.”

Florin Jianu, Honorary President of IMM Romania, spoke about social dialogue as a driver of sustainable development, about the need for solid partnerships between Chisinau and Bucharest, as well as about the importance of involving employers’ structures in public policies.

Sterica Fudulea, President of the Economic and Social Council (ESC), emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration with civil society and Moldovan social partners, as well as the support provided by the ESC for the institutionalization of social dialogue in the Republic of Moldova, including for the establishment of the Moldovan Economic and Social Committee.

The FinanciarELE panel, moderated by the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, discussed women leadership and the need to break gender patterns and stereotypes.

The Development of Bilateral Relations Romania – Republic of Moldova panel, moderated by Lorena Stoian, First Vice-President of PEFA, created new bridges of collaboration and support for the entrepreneurial environment on both banks of the Prut. “During the forum, we discussed at length about the development of bilateral relations and brought together the public and private sectors – energy, banking system, defense and administration – strongly affirming that public-private partnerships are the engine of cooperation and progress of each country, but also of the relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova”, concluded Ms. Stoian. The Romania – Republic of Moldova Economic Forum thus becomes a platform for dialogue, partnership and development, in which female leadership plays an essential role.

F.E.R.M. partners: MAIB, OTP Bank, Moldcell, Electrica SA, Kaufland, DO Security, Advanced Business Software, Association for the Development of Indigenous Entrepreneurship (ADAA), Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova.

Institutional partners: Ministry of National Defense, National Agency for Policies and Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions, IMM Romania.