Moldova Conference Tackles Sustainability & Digital Banking
On Thursday in Chisinau, a conference organised by the Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova delved into the crucial topics of business sustainability and digitalization.
Over 150 investors from across the Prut River, along with bankers and foreign experts, addressed business people and those in the financial environment from the Republic of Moldova about the ESG concept – environment, social, and governance. This concept serves to evaluate business practices and performance in terms of sustainability.
Anca Dragu, the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, participated in the discussions. She emphasised the importance of modernising the financial sector and the National Bank's involvement in promoting this goal. She cited the launch of MIA instant payments and accession to the Single Euro Payments Area as examples.
“We desire a digital transformation of the financial sector that is comprehensive, efficient, and inclusive. Research, innovation, and digitalization are priorities in the BNM's strategic plan for 2025. Digitalization is no longer an option in today's world; it is an imperative necessity," stated Anca Dragu.
The British Ambassador to Chisinau also shared the UK's experience in digitising the banking system.
“The UK experience has demonstrated the power of using technology to promote experience and efficiency in financial services. The UK financial sector accounts for 40 million pounds of the country's economy," said the UK Ambassador to Chisinau.
Experts predict that the business environment in Moldova will benefit from the support and experience of other countries, especially Romania.
“We organised the event because we believe it's important to educate the business community in the Republic of Moldova and to offer insights from the experience we have accumulated in other countries. We will introduce practices that have already been successfully implemented in other countries, Romania and the European Union," said Mamas Koutsoyiannis, manager of a consulting company.
“We will present good practices and how businesses can align themselves to respond to these new criteria. This should be seen not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to attract customers, retain talent, and increase revenue,” said Gabriela Hârțescu, a member of the Romanian Business School.
The conference also addressed sustainable development in the energy sector and the impact of policies implemented in this area in Moldova.
“Several laws, policies, or measures that we promote have a real impact on companies in our country. These include law 282 on the energy performance of buildings, adopted last year, as well as the obligation of public institutions to have an electric charging point for electric cars for every 10th parking space," explained Carolina Novac, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy.
The event was organised by the first business school in Romania together with the Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
