Moldova and Romania expand scrap iron export by rail
Moldova and Romania plan to leverage railway infrastructure to export scrap iron, moving away from the current exclusive reliance on road transport.
Authorities are discussing amendments to the regulatory framework to allow Romania to begin exporting scrap iron to Moldova by rail, aiming to reduce pressure on road traffic.
Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea noted that during his visit to Bucharest, where he met with the President of the Romanian Senate, Ilie Bolojan, they agreed to establish three railway hubs across the Prut River. These hubs will optimize freight transport, reduce pollution, and ensure safer and more accessible logistics.
“This translates into a healthier environment, cost savings, significantly safer logistics, and much lower costs. We discussed Sculeni, Călărași, and Căinari — where, since 2022, Romanian scrap iron exporters have been restricted to exporting exclusively by road. We are working to resolve this issue and have raised it at the highest level to allow scrap iron exports by rail as well, by appointing a phytosanitary inspector. We are confident that this issue, having been heard, will be resolved promptly, enabling us to transition from road to rail transport — resulting in a cleaner environment, safer roads, less congested border crossings, and far more efficient logistics. This is of great importance,” Bolea explained.
Furthermore, discussions included the construction of a new major airport in the Black Sea Basin region, featuring a cargo terminal situated in Mărculești. The project has the support of Romania and regional investors, Bolea added.
“We anticipate becoming one of the largest airports in the Black Sea Basin region, with substantial capacity for passenger throughput. This announcement aims to facilitate the rapid development of Chișinău International Airport, including its cargo segment at Mărculești. We have reached an understanding and will have the support of the Romanian Senate. At their invitation, we will hold a meeting with business leaders from this sector. In the coming weeks, we will prepare a presentation not only about the airport but also about other hubs. We are currently working on Fălciu, the state port of Giurgiulești, and, of course, the municipality of Chișinău with its full potential, as well as Mărculești,” he said.
At the same time, Vladimir Bolea and Ilie Bolojan emphasized the importance of better coordination in managing border traffic. To support the development of the transport sector, the two officials agreed to organize a forum dedicated to freight and passenger transport operators at the Romanian Senate headquarters.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
