CAMPAIGN: “100 Economic Opportunities for the Development of the Moldova Region along the A7 Motorway”

Author: Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR

The A7 Motorway, one of the most important infrastructure projects in Romania, is much more than just a road route. It represents a true backbone for the economic development of the Extended Moldova Region, connecting this historical and economic region both to central Romania and to international markets in Europe and the eastern part of the continent.

As the President of the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning (CAPDR), I have observed and analyzed in detail the impact this motorway will have on the local and national economy.

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1. Attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)

The A7 Motorway provides the region with modern infrastructure, a crucial aspect for foreign investors seeking accessible markets connected to international transport networks. Traditionally considered a less accessible region, Moldova will, thanks to this motorway, become an attractive destination for foreign direct investments (FDI) in various sectors such as industrial production, logistics, and energy. New transportation facilities will reduce delivery times and logistics costs, making Moldova a competitive option for international investors looking to leverage the advantages of this new infrastructure.

2. Creation of Jobs and Local Economic Development

One of the immediate effects of the A7 Motorway’s construction will be the creation of jobs. During the construction phase, the project will generate thousands of new jobs, from laborers and engineers to suppliers of materials and equipment. Additionally, during the operational phase, the local economy will benefit from a significant increase in demand for transport, logistics, trade, and industry services, contributing to reducing unemployment and increasing the standard of living in the region.

3. Increase in Regional GDP and Economic Convergence with Other Regions in Romania

The Moldova Region has been one of the least economically developed in Romania, with a lower per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than the national average. The A7 Motorway will accelerate regional development by connecting Moldova to internal and international trade networks, which will attract more investments and stimulate economic activity. With the attraction of investments and job creation, regional GDP will rise, contributing to reducing the economic gap with other more developed regions such as Transylvania or Bucharest.

4. Facilitating International Trade through Connectivity with the Constanța Port

The A7 Motorway will connect Moldova not only with the rest of Romania but also with Constanța Port, one of the largest maritime transport hubs in Europe. This enhanced connectivity will facilitate Moldovan exporters’ access to global markets, especially to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, making Moldovan exports much more competitive. Agricultural, industrial, and manufactured products will be able to reach international markets faster and at lower costs, increasing Moldova’s attractiveness as a production base.

5. Development of Logistic and Industrial Parks along the Route

In addition to developing new industrial zones, the A7 Motorway will also stimulate the creation of logistic parks along the route, which will become essential centers for the storage and distribution of goods. International logistics companies will be attracted by this modern infrastructure, which will reduce transport costs and improve operational efficiency. These logistic parks will also facilitate the creation of an integrated supply chain, connecting Moldova with the rest of Romania and Europe, enhancing the region’s competitiveness.

6. Impact on Transport Costs and the Transport and Logistics Sector

With reduced transport times and high-quality infrastructure, the A7 Motorway will have a significant impact on transport costs for companies in Moldova. Companies in the freight transport and logistics sector will benefit from significant savings in the long term, reducing both fuel costs and vehicle wear. Additionally, shorter delivery times will contribute to an improvement in the competitiveness of local products on international markets.

Conclusion

The A7 Motorway is more than just a motorway – it is a pathway to economic development that will transform the Extended Moldova Region into a key commercial and logistical hub for Romania and Eastern Europe. The increase in foreign investments, job creation, and regional GDP growth are just a few of the benefits that will result from this project. Moldova, once considered a peripheral region, will become, thanks to the A7 Motorway, a destination of interest for investors and a region with high development potential.

About the Campaign “100 Economic Opportunities for the Development of the Moldova Region along the A7 Motorway”

 

The A7 Motorway, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Romania, will represent a vital artery for the economic development of the Moldova Region, connecting it directly with other regions of the country and international markets. As construction progresses, this motorway 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 growth hub, benefiting local communities, the business environment, and international investors.

Campaign Objectives:

1. Raising awareness of the economic potential offered by the A7 Motorway, by highlighting the advantages for sectors such as transport, logistics, energy, agriculture, tourism, and technology.
2. Identifying and promoting investment opportunities for SMEs, large companies, and foreign investors, presenting concrete examples of economic development in areas adjacent to the motorway.
3. Creating a framework for collaboration between local authorities, the academic environment, entrepreneurs, and international organizations to maximize the economic benefits of this project.
4. Providing solutions and strategic directions for the development of the Moldova Region, through these 100 economic opportunities which 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 each day, offering a clear and applicable vision on 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 overview of how the opportunity will contribute to local development, job creation, and improvement of economic conditions.
3. Success stories – Best practice models from other regions or countries that could be replicated in Moldova.
4. Partnerships and collaborations – Identifying key stakeholders (public authorities, companies, investors) who can facilitate the implementation of this opportunity.
5. Economic forecast – A brief estimate of the economic impact (GDP, jobs, investment attraction) generated by each opportunity.

Key Sectors Targeted:

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

• Infrastructure and transport: Building logistic parks, developing public and private transport networks, investing in storage facilities.
• Energy and environment: Renewable energy projects along the motorway, streamlining energy transport networks.
• Agriculture and rural development: Developing a modern irrigation system, expanding supply chains, and facilitating access to international markets.
• Industry and manufacturing: Creating industrial clusters, attracting foreign investment in production sectors.
• Technology and innovation: Supporting technology start-ups, implementing smart technologies in infrastructure.
• Tourism and hospitality: Promoting cultural tourism, ecotourism, and business tourism in Moldova.
• Education and vocational training: Adapting vocational training programs to new industry and logistics requirements.
• Health services and medical infrastructure development: The A7 Motorway will contribute to improving access to health services in Moldova by reducing transport time between localities and regional medical centers. This will facilitate the development of modern medical infrastructure along the route, creating partnerships between public and private medical institutions and attracting investment in state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, better connectivity will help with redistributing patients from crowded centers to new regional hospitals, reducing 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 broad audience:

1. Social media and official website: Presenting each daily opportunity, along with detailed articles.
2. Traditional media (TV, radio, print media): Interviews with industry experts and local leaders explaining the economic potential of the motorway.
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:

• Increasing visibility and investor interest in the Moldova Region and the potential of the A7 Motorway.
• Operationalizing the MEMORANDUM of cooperation for Mapping Opportunities Generated by the construction of the MOLDOVA Motorway – A7
• Mobilizing public authorities and the private sector for the implementation of long-term economic projects, supported by the opportunities provided by the infrastructure.
• Developing a strategic plan for the next 6 years, based on the 100 opportunities identified in the campaign and the directions established by the MOLDOVA 2030 strategy.
• Implementing the 8 stages of strategic economic development for Moldova through the A7 Motorway. These include creating a multi-sector consortium, conducting an impact study, collaborating between academia and business, engaging with authorities, promoting the region as an investment hub, integrating ecological solutions, monitoring progress, and digital innovation. Each stage is designed to maximize the economic and social impact of the A7 Motorway on the region. For more details, visit: STRATEGY A7.