100 OPPORTUNITIES / A7: “Economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region along the A7 Highway route”

Author: Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy in Moldova, and the A7 Highway will provide these companies with significant opportunities for growth and expansion. As the President of CAPDR, I see this project as a catalyst for the development of SMEs, which will benefit from improved connectivity and easier access to both domestic and international markets.

1. Reducing transportation costs for SMEs

The A7 Highway will reduce transportation costs for SMEs, enabling them to deliver their products faster and more efficiently to national and international markets. This will improve profitability and competitiveness for these companies, giving them the chance to expand and increase their business volume.

2. Access to international markets and export opportunities

Thanks to its connection to international transport networks, SMEs will be able to access new international markets, offering them export opportunities they did not have before. The A7 Highway will facilitate access for SMEs to the port of Constanța and markets in Western Europe, allowing them to diversify their revenue streams.

3. Increased collaboration with international companies

With the development of modern infrastructure, SMEs in Moldova will be able to collaborate more efficiently with international companies. Partnerships with foreign investors and clients will become more accessible, boosting economic growth through successful collaborations.

4. Stimulating innovation and increasing production capacities

Better connectivity will allow SMEs to enhance their production capacities and innovate by integrating modern technologies and operational efficiency solutions. This will support the development of more competitive businesses and stimulate job creation.

Conclusion

The A7 Highway will offer SMEs in Moldova significant growth opportunities, reducing transportation costs and facilitating access to international markets. This project will be a catalyst for innovation and economic development, strengthening the role of SMEs in the local economy.

About the “100 Economic Opportunities for the Development of the Moldova Region along the A7 Highway” campaign

 

The A7 Highway, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Romania, will represent a vital artery for the economic development of the Moldova Region, directly connecting it with other regions of the country and international markets. As construction progresses, this highway will not only improve mobility but also create a new framework for significant economic opportunities.

In this context, our campaign aims to highlight and explore 100 economic opportunities that will transform the Moldova Region into a hub of economic growth, benefiting local communities, the business environment, and international investors.

Campaign Objectives:

1. 1. Raise awareness of the economic potential offered by the A7 Highway by highlighting the benefits for sectors such as transportation, logistics, energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology.
   2. Identify and promote investment opportunities for SMEs, large companies, and foreign investors by presenting concrete examples of economic development in areas adjacent to the highway.
   3. Create a framework for collaboration between local authorities, academia, entrepreneurs, and international organizations to maximize the economic benefits of this project.
   4. Provide solutions and strategic directions for the development of the Moldova Region through these 100 economic opportunities that will generate jobs, economic growth, and regional stability.

How the 100 Opportunities Will Be Structured:

Over the next 4 months, we will present a different economic opportunity every day, offering a clear and actionable vision of how various industries and economic sectors can benefit from this new infrastructure.

Each opportunity will be structured along the following lines:

1. Description of the Opportunity – A clear analysis of the economic opportunity within the targeted sector (e.g., agriculture, energy, logistics).
2. Impact on the Moldova Region – An outline of how the opportunity will contribute to local development, job creation, and improving economic conditions.
3. Examples of Success – Best practice models from other regions or countries that could be replicated in Moldova.
4. Partnerships and Collaborations – Identification of key stakeholders (public authorities, companies, investors) who can facilitate the implementation of the opportunity.
5. Economic Forecast – A brief estimate of the economic impact (GDP, job creation, investment attraction) generated by each opportunity.

Key Targeted Sectors:

The campaign will cover a wide range of industries, focusing on:

• Infrastructure and Transport: Construction of logistics parks, development of public and private transport networks, investments in storage facilities.
• Energy and Environment: Renewable energy projects along the highway, optimizing energy transport networks.
• Agriculture and Rural Development: Development of a modern irrigation system, expansion of supply chains, and facilitating access to international markets.
• Industry and Manufacturing: Creation of industrial clusters, attracting foreign investments in production sectors.
• Technology and Innovation: Supporting tech start-ups, implementing smart technologies in infrastructure.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Promoting cultural tourism, ecotourism, and business tourism in Moldova.
• Education and Professional Training: Adapting vocational training programs to the new industry and logistics demands.
• Health Services and Medical Infrastructure Development: The A7 Highway will contribute to improving access to health services in Moldova, reducing transport time between localities and regional medical centers. It will facilitate the development of modern medical infrastructure along the route, creating partnerships between public and private medical institutions and attracting investments in cutting-edge equipment. Additionally, better connectivity will help with redistributing patients from overcrowded centers to new regional hospitals, easing the pressure on the healthcare system in large urban areas.

Promotion Channels:

The campaign will be promoted through various media channels to maximize impact and reach a wide audience:

1. Social Media and Official Website: Presenting each daily opportunity along with detailed articles.
2. Traditional Media (TV, Radio, Print): Interviews with industry experts and local leaders explaining the economic potential of the highway.
3. Public Events and Conferences: Organizing seminars and economic forums to discuss and present these opportunities in detail.
4. Partnerships with Universities and Business Organizations: Workshops and informational sessions for students, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Expected Results:

• Increased visibility and interest from investors in the Moldova Region and the potential of the A7 Highway.
• Operationalization of the MEMORANDUM for Collaboration on Mapping the Opportunities Generated by the construction of the MOLDOVA HIGHWAY – A7.
• Mobilizing public authorities and the private sector to implement long-term economic projects supported by infrastructure opportunities.
• Development of a strategic plan for the next 6 years, based on the 100 opportunities identified in the campaign and the directions set by the MOLDOVA 2030 strategy.
• Implementation of the 8 stages of Moldova’s strategic economic development through the A7 Highway. These include creating a multi-sector consortium, conducting an impact study, fostering collaboration between academia and business, engaging in dialogue with authorities, promoting the region as an investment hub, integrating green solutions, monitoring progress, and digital innovation. Each stage is designed to maximize the economic and social impact of the A7 Highway on the region. More details can be found here: A7 STRATEGY.