Moldova Business Week 2024: Local and international entrepreneurs discuss investments, partnerships and business environment in Edineț
As part of Moldova Business Week 2024, the Edineț Industrial Park hosted a special session bringing together over 60 participants — Moldovan officials, local and international entrepreneurs, and development partners. Organised by the Investment Agency of the Republic of Moldova (AIM), the Association of Electronic Industry Companies of Moldova (ACEM), and the Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters Moldova Fruct, with support from the European Union, the event served as an important platform for dialogue and collaboration on the country’s economic future.
Discussions focused on current business environment issues, export promotion, and fostering new partnerships. Participants highlighted the importance of attracting foreign investment, developing the industrial and agri-food sectors, and strengthening collaboration between local and international entrepreneurs. The discussions also covered new investment opportunities and the collaborative prospects emerging as Moldova begins negotiations to join the European Union.
“At the local level, it’s essential to remain active, and the support of external partners is crucial for regional development. We know well that had we relied solely on our own resources, we wouldn’t have come this far. However, together, we’ve made Edineț one of the most visible and successful areas in terms of energy, transport, accessibility, and more,” said Constantin Cojocari, Mayor of Edineț.
Diana Jabłońska, Head of Unit C1 at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), emphasised the importance of European support: “The European Union has supported Moldovan companies in making progress by promoting efficient governance and socio-economic development. As Moldova continues its European journey, cooperation between companies and local authorities becomes even more vital. The EU reaffirms its commitment to Moldova, as together we’ll continue building on the success of our joint initiatives, with the goal of a prosperous, democratic, and European Moldova.”
Andrian Digolean, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, stressed the importance of investments in the agri-food sector: “About 20% of Moldova’s GDP comes from agriculture and the food industry. Around 40% of the country’s exports are agri-food products, and 67% of Moldova’s land is agricultural. Our main goal is to implement new technologies in this sector and attract investment.”
Viorel Garaz, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation, underscored the role of digitalisation and innovation in economic growth: “Industrial parks represent the future of investment in Moldova, and the one in Edineț is a prime example. Combining agriculture with advanced technologies brings significant added value to businesses. We can build a high-performing economy, and our development partners are supporting us, for which we’re grateful.”
Natalia Bejan, General Director of the Investment Agency, praised the regional events: “The event in Edineț is part of several regional activities we organise as part of Moldova Business Week 2024. So much positive progress is happening, and we have many success stories. Moldova has production capacities that we aren’t always aware of. Despite its small size, Moldova is the largest exporter of plums to the EU and the third-largest globally. The industries presented today in Edineț—agri-food and electronics—are areas where we have clear competitive advantages.”
The event was preceded by field visits to two local companies in northern Moldova — Darurile Bessarabiei in the Sîngerei district and Novo Plum Fruct in the Rîșcani district — offering participants the chance to explore the agri-food sector and the export potential of Moldovan producers to the European Union.
More than a thousand entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and investors are participating in Moldova Business Week 2024. This year’s event is taking place from 16–20 September across various regions of the country. The slogan for this year’s edition is “Republic of Moldova — Your Next Investment Destination”. Over five days, in four regions—Chișinău, Bălți, Edineț, and Ungheni—participants are discussing Moldova’s investment climate, attracting funds, and developing sustainable partnerships, including the opportunities arising from EU accession negotiations. The main topics being covered include ICT, the agri-food industry, automotive and electronics, pharmaceuticals and medical tourism, energy and infrastructure, tourism and winemaking, and non-residential real estate.
Context
Moldova Business Week is the largest platform for connecting businesspeople and investors from various countries and regions with local product and service providers. It provides an ideal opportunity to analyse economic trends and national policies in a global context, with a focus on the country’s European integration. Moldova Business Week is organised annually by the Investment Agency of the Republic of Moldova in collaboration with development partners and central public institutions. The event brings together foreign investors, local and international entrepreneurs, businesspeople, economic experts, analysts, representatives of state institutions, and members of diplomatic missions accredited in Moldova. The first edition took place in 2014.
