Tofan invites Romanian investors to Moldova: "Many underestimate its potential"
The Republic of Moldova aims to attract more Romanian investment and position itself as a platform for businesses targeting both the European Union market and Ukraine's reconstruction. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan shared this vision in an interview with Ziarul Financiar during his first official visit to Bucharest. He called on Romanian entrepreneurs to invest in the Republic of Moldova, emphasizing that it serves as an "export platform" and is still an underappreciated market.
“Romania is a key champion of our European integration, and we want to ensure that Romanian diplomacy firmly states its commitment to Moldova signing the accession treaty by the end of 2028. This is our top priority,” declared the Prime Minister.
He also pointed out that Romania is Moldova’s main trading partner, with trade between the two countries approaching four billion euros, and nearly 30% of Moldovan exports going to the Romanian market.
However, the Prime Minister highlighted that the trade balance currently favors Romania, and the Government aims to attract more Romanian investments.
“Romanian companies benefit from their relationship with the Republic of Moldova, but for us, Romania is also the most important export market. We want to rebalance this trade and see increased investments in the Republic of Moldova,” he stated.
Energy and Infrastructure: Key joint projects
During the visit, another important topic discussed was enhancing energy interconnections. According to the Prime Minister, the Republic of Moldova currently imports about half of its electricity from Romania, although its reliance on imports has decreased due to the growth of renewable energy production.
“Renewable energy has risen from almost zero to nearly 30% of our consumption in just five years. We continue to invest in wind and solar energy, as well as storage capacities,” Tofan said.
Additionally, the Government is focused on expanding interconnection networks with Romania.
“We have the 400 kV Vulcănești–Chișinău line, and the Bălți–Suceava line is currently in the technical design stage. These interconnections are crucial for Moldova's energy security and for connecting markets in the region,” the Head of the Executive said.
A8 motorway and new bridges over the Prut
In the field of infrastructure, the Prime Minister mentioned extending the A8 motorway to Ungheni, a project he considers the first step toward a modern road connection between the Republic of Moldova and Romania.
"We will have the A8 motorway that will extend over the Prut to Ungheni. It is the first section of motorway in the Republic of Moldova, and in the long term the objective is to continue it to Odessa. I want the flower bridges to be complemented by stone, energy and capital bridges", Tofan declared.
Moldova, a platform for the reconstruction of Ukraine
The Prime Minister believes that the Republic of Moldova can become a platform for Romanian companies interested in the reconstruction of Ukraine.
"For example, I believe that Romanian business has a gigantic opportunity to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine, which will be the largest construction site since World War II, after the Marshall Plan. A program of about 750 billion euros is estimated, and I believe that entering this market would be much simpler by using the Republic of Moldova as a platform, taking into account the linguistic and cultural affinity we have with Ukraine," the prime minister declared.
He added that the modernization of the railway infrastructure could facilitate the transit of Ukrainian grains, which would benefit both Moldova and Romania, as well as Ukraine.
Call to Romanian investors
Finally, Vasile Tofan launched an appeal to Romanian entrepreneurs, claiming that the Republic of Moldova offers greater business opportunities than are currently perceived.
"Many Romanian entrepreneurs underestimate the potential of the Republic of Moldova. I would like them to see Moldova not just as a small market, but as a platform for export and business development. In some respects, the business environment may even be simpler than in other states," the Prime Minister said.
The Head of Government also highlighted the potential of Chisinau, which he sees as a natural destination for the expansion of Romanian companies.
"Chisinau is a city of almost one million inhabitants, undergoing dynamic development, whether we are talking about real estate, HoReCa or services. For many Romanian companies, expanding to Chisinau may be a natural choice," concluded Vasile Tofan.
A week after taking office, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan chose Bucharest for his first official trip, on Thursday, July 30, declaring that the choice was a "natural" one and that every time he is in Romania he feels "at home".
During the visit, the Chief Executive met with President Nicușor Dan, Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, President of the Chamber of Deputies Sorin Grindeanu, President of the Senate Mircea Abrudean, as well as representatives of the business community.
The discussions focused on expanding the strategic partnership, investments and joint projects with a direct impact on citizens on both banks of the Prut.
