The National Bank of Moldova published a readout of the first Romania–Republic of Moldova Economic Forum (F.E.R.M.) in Chișinău, held under its aegis with the European Patronage of Women Business Owners (PEFA) and the Romanian Embassy. In opening remarks, Governor Anca Dragu framed the forum as a platform to advance investment and cross-border cooperation and highlighted the central bank’s EU-alignment agenda, including the Republic of Moldova’s acceptance into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and ongoing payments modernisation following the launch of MIA Instant Payments. The event brought together senior officials and business leaders from both countries. President Maia Sandu cited Romania as the Republic of Moldova’s most important investor, with more than EUR 250 million invested annually and over 1,700 companies with Romanian capital active in the Moldovan market, and pointed to infrastructure projects including the Chișinău–Vulcănești electricity line. The forum also marked the official launch in Chișinău of the inaugural Female Entrepreneurship Index, first launched in Bucharest in May 2025, designed to monitor women’s participation and impact in business, including access to resources, finance, entrepreneurial education and decision-making roles. Two panels covered balanced leadership in finance, and bilateral cooperation across sectors including energy, banking, defence and social protection.
National Bank of Moldova 2025-09-17
National Bank of Moldova hosts inaugural Romania–Moldova Economic Forum and highlights SEPA accession and instant payments modernisation
The National Bank of Moldova hosted the first Romania–Republic of Moldova Economic Forum in Chișinău, emphasizing investment and cross-border cooperation. Governor Anca Dragu highlighted Moldova's EU-alignment agenda, including SEPA acceptance and payments modernization. The forum also launched the Female Entrepreneurship Index in Chișinău and featured discussions on leadership and bilateral cooperation in various sectors.