Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, President of CAPDR: “The Suceava Free Economic Zone could become a catalyst for Investment and Regional Cooperation”

The idea of establishing a Free Economic Zone (FEZ) in Suceava County returns to the forefront of public debate, sparking the interest of economic stakeholders as well as local and regional authorities

The topic was brought back into focus by Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR, during a television show broadcast by Antena 3 Suceava, where he raised a pertinent and strategic question to the representatives of the county administration:

“A thought crossed my mind about an economic zone. Something similar to what exists in Galați – a Free Economic Zone. Is this idea still on the table? Are you planning it near the airport, in that infrastructure which, as far as I know, is not operational? The industrial park. Or maybe at Termica, in the city. Do you know anything? Please let us know.”

Ștefanovici’s statement was not accidental. The CAPDR leader pinpointed exactly the key areas eyed by investors, as well as the urgent need to revitalize industrial perimeters with untapped potential, such as the area near the “Ștefan cel Mare” Airport and the former Termica plant. His intervention served as a constructive challenge to county authorities, aimed at clarifying the directions of action and administrative commitments.

Official confirmation and government procedures

A response soon followed. Cezar Ioja, the County Administrator of Suceava, confirmed that the project is real and already in an advanced stage. According to him, the memorandum required to initiate the Free Economic Zone has been submitted to the General Secretariat of the Government, the institution that approves such initiatives.

“We strongly believe in establishing this free zone. The area is not extremely large, but we have the possibility to purchase land on the free market in that area, and we are planning a unified development around the airport,” explained Ioja.

A project with regional impact

The targeted area for implementing the FEZ is near Suceava Airport, a strategic region not only for the county but also for the entire North-East of Romania. Local officials argue that the benefits will not stop at Suceava’s borders but will also be felt in Botoșani County, located nearby.

“Suceava and Botoșani can develop together, harmoniously, if we manage to achieve this goal,” declared Cezar Ioja, noting the openness of Botoșani’s partners and the local business environment for long-term collaboration.

The advantages of a Free Economic Zone

Free economic zones offer a preferential fiscal and administrative framework for investors, with the most important incentives including:

• tax exemptions or reductions;
• simplified authorization procedures;
• fast access to infrastructure;
• incentives for employers and logistical support for new companies.

In a regional economic context where labor migration, industrial underdevelopment, and unexploited infrastructure are real challenges, an FEZ could become the catalyst that reshapes the economic map of the area.

Challenges and next steps

Although the land available initially is not extensive, authorities are considering purchasing new plots on the free market to expand the perimeter and build a coherent economic ecosystem connected to the airport, road network, and future logistical developments.

In the next phase, the project will require:

• government approvals;
• clear delimitation of the FEZ perimeter;
• establishment of the fiscal and administrative benefits regime;
• identification of interested investors and active promotion of the area.

Conclusion

The Free Economic Zone project in Suceava is not just a promise – it is a strategic initiative in full development, with the potential to transform the entire North-East region into an investment and innovation hub. However, its success will depend on the authorities’ ability to create an attractive, coherent, and predictable framework for the business environment, as well as on embracing a shared regional vision that transcends administrative borders. In a dynamic economic world, Suceava has the chance to become a bright spot on Romania’s sustainable development map.