CAMPAIGN: „100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region along the A7 Highway”

Author: Ion Ștefanovici, President CAPDR

 

MOLDOVA HIGHWAY – A7 represents not only a major investment in infrastructure but also a significant driver for job creation and revitalization of the local economy in the Extended Moldova Region.

Throughout its route, this project will generate substantial economic opportunities in various sectors, positively affecting the labor market and the standard of living in the region.

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1. Jobs directly generated by the construction of the A7 Highway

The construction phase of the highway will require a large workforce, leading to the creation of thousands of jobs in areas such as construction, engineering, architecture, and project management. This direct effect on the labor market will stimulate employment for both skilled and unskilled workers. Additionally, local construction companies and material suppliers will benefit from significant contracts, thereby increasing the number of jobs in the industrial sector.

2. Creation of indirect jobs in related sectors

In addition to the jobs directly created in construction, the A7 Highway will have a multiplier effect in other economic sectors. For example, companies providing catering, transportation, logistics, and equipment supply services will benefit from increased demand, leading to a rise in job opportunities in these fields. During the operational phase, logistic parks and industrial areas developing along the motorway will also create employment opportunities, offering long-term prospects.

3. Revitalization of the local economy through increased consumption

As new jobs are created, the income of local households will rise, stimulating increased consumption in the regional economy. This increase in demand for goods and services will positively impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region, from local shops and restaurants to service providers. Ultimately, a more robust local economy will generate even more jobs, creating a virtuous cycle of economic development.

4. Education and training for new jobs

A crucial aspect of this project’s success is preparing the local workforce for the new jobs that will be created. Collaborations between local authorities, the academic environment, and companies involved in the A7 Highway project will be essential in providing training and retraining programs tailored to labor market needs. These initiatives will contribute to increasing employment rates and improving job quality.

5. Contribution to reducing unemployment and workforce migration

Moldova is a region that has faced a high unemployment rate and a significant outflow of the workforce to other regions in Romania or abroad. The A7 Highway offers a unique opportunity to address these trends by creating attractive local job opportunities and providing reasons for young people in the region to stay or return to Moldova. Thus, the project will contribute to demographic stabilization and revitalization of local communities.

Conclusion

The A7 Highway will have a direct and indirect impact on the labor market in Moldova, stimulating job creation across various sectors and supporting local economic development. This modern infrastructure will not only reduce unemployment but also provide opportunities for sustainable economic growth in the region.

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 serve as 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 Highway, highlighting benefits for sectors such as transportation, 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 collaborative framework between local authorities, academia, 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 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 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 around the following directions:

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 – Identification of key actors (public authorities, companies, investors) who can facilitate the implementation of this opportunity.
5. Economic forecast – A brief estimate of the economic impact (GDP, jobs, attracting investments) generated by each opportunity.

Targeted key sectors:

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

• Infrastructure and transportation: Building logistics parks, developing public and private transportation networks, and investing in storage facilities.
• Energy and environment: Renewable energy projects along the Highway, optimizing 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 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 training programs to meet the new requirements of industry and logistics.
• Healthcare services and medical infrastructure development: The A7 Highway will contribute to improving access to healthcare services in Moldova, reducing travel 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 state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, better connectivity will help redistribute patients from crowded centers to new regional hospitals, reducing 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 broad audience:

1. Social media and online platforms: Active presence on social media channels, dedicated website sections, and online advertising.
2. Local and national media: Press releases, articles, interviews, and reports in regional and national newspapers, TV, and radio.
3. Events and conferences: Organizing public debates, business conferences, and workshops.
4. Collaboration with local authorities and institutions: Engaging local authorities, educational institutions, and business associations.

Expected results:

• Increased visibility and investor interest in the Moldova Region and the potential of the A7 Highway.
• Operationalization of the MEMORANDUM for Mapping Opportunities Generated by the construction of the MOLDOVA HIGHWAY – A7
• Mobilization of public authorities and the private sector for implementing long-term economic projects supported by the opportunities provided by the infrastructure.
• Development of a strategic plan for the next 6 years, based on the 100 identified opportunities in the campaign and the directions established by the MOLDOVA 2030 strategy.
• Implementation of the 8 stages of the strategic economic development of Moldova through the A7 Highway. These include the creation of a multi-sector consortium, conducting an impact study, collaboration between academia and business, dialogue with authorities, promoting the region as an investment hub, integrating eco-friendly 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.