High-level dialog on finance and economic growth held in Chisinau

In recent years, the Republic of Moldova has faced multiple crises and shocks, but through prudent policies and discipline, stability has been maintained and resilience strengthened. Our country, as well as the entire region, is currently at a crossroads of transformations, and the authorities must make efforts to turn uncertainties into new opportunities, thus consolidating economic growth. Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) Anca Dragu made the statements at the high-level dialogue workshop - Finance and Economic Growth: Lessons for the European Path of the Republic of Moldova, held today in Chișinău.

The event brought together high-ranking officials from national and European authorities, representatives of international financial institutions, and economic experts. The aim of the event is to create a strategic dialogue platform on financial and economic priorities in the irreversible path of the Republic of Moldova towards European Union membership. The event is attended by the EU Commissioner for Financial Services and the Union of Economies and Investments, Maria Luís Albuquerque, who will deliver a speech.

In opening the event, Anca Dragu highlighted the transformations marking developments in the Republic of Moldova and the region, emphasizing that the choices made now will define the possibilities to anchor the economy in stability and support prosperity.


'We are at a crossroads of transformations, not just for Moldova, but for the entire region. The choices we make today will define how well we can anchor our economy in stability and how well we can support prosperity. In today's rapidly changing economic environment, one of the major challenges is contributing to sustainable growth while maintaining the soundness of the financial system, channeling savings into various activities with multiplier effects. We need to contribute to price stability, financial stability, and sound oversight of both the banking and non-banking financial sectors. Balancing is very important for growth and stability,' declared Anca Dragu.


The official pointed out that financial stability is a non-negotiable precondition for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. 'It's a foundation upon which investments will flourish, innovations will take place, and citizens will gain confidence in their future. (...) A sound banking sector leads to confidence, mobilizes resources, and allows the economy to grow inclusively and balanced,' the official emphasized.

The NBM Governor stated that in recent years, the Republic of Moldova has faced multiple shocks, including geopolitical, energy, and inflationary pressures. 'But through prudent policies and discipline, we have maintained stability and strengthened resilience,' said Anca Dragu.

According to the Governor, after rather significant negative shocks due to energy resource prices at the beginning of the year, our country is now experiencing a decrease in inflation, reaching the target of 5%. At the same time, recent GDP data offers favorable forecasts for 2026.

The results achieved can be consolidated through the European integration process, which offers our country several benefits, especially in the economic domain, including better access to capital, a more competitive business environment, and more secure financial services.


'What defines the Republic of Moldova today is not the geography and size of the country, but its determination to transform. We are moving from resilience to renovation, from stability to sustainable prosperity. Our journey is empowered by partnership with citizens, the private sector, and international and European partners. Any reform, any innovation, and any bold decision contribute to the history of a nation that believes in its future,' stressed Anca Dragu.


The BNM Governor also referred to the EU Growth Plan, valued at 1.9 billion euros. It will serve as a catalyst for reforms, job creation, and boosting dynamics in the private sector, said the official.


'We will be able to support the creation of about 5,000 new businesses and provide opportunities for a large number of Republic of Moldova citizens to find a job. This is also a promise for reforms, integrity, partnerships, leading to opportunities and growth,' stated Anca Dragu.


Present at the event, Acting Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov said that the European accession process is structured to reconfigure economies, provide access to finance for small businesses, develop trust, and channel economies into productivity and innovation.


'The Republic of Moldova is now on the same path, with the same goal, namely to make EU accession an economic accelerator. (...) Our commitment to become an EU member is indeed inseparable from modernizing the financial architecture. EU accession for us means creating a financial system that will ensure stability, initiatives, fuel innovations, and support the visions of entrepreneurs in the country and diaspora,' mentioned Cristina Gherasimov.


The acting Deputy Prime Minister also added that financial stability and transparency must become the foundation for sustainable growth.


'Our goal is to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027, so that the Republic of Moldova becomes a member state by 2030. We can indeed prove that the Republic of Moldova can deliver results, is resilient, takes small steps, but has big ideas, and that EU accession is a strategic choice. This path to EU accession is the opportunity to realize our potential as a determined country with solid partnerships,' concluded Cristina Gherasimov.


The high-level dialogue workshop 'Finance and Economic Growth: Lessons for the European Path of the Republic of Moldova', held today in Chișinău, addresses central themes, including aligning the financial sector with European standards and strengthening the prudential supervision framework, modernizing agriculture and rural financing through innovative tools, energy security, and sustainable investments aimed at green transition, developing small and medium-sized enterprises through competitiveness growth and innovation stimulation, as well as capital market integration and the digital transformation of the economy, meant to accelerate Moldova's connection to the single European market.