Debate at FERM 2025 | “Promoting Cultural Heritage and Developing Tourism in the Republic of Moldova through Strategic Cooperation with Romania”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Strategic Investments in the Expanded Moldova Region
Speaker:
H.E. Victor Chirilă – Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to Bucharest
Ion Ștefanovici – President of CAPDR
Topic of the speech:
“Valorizing cultural heritage and developing tourism in the Republic of Moldova through strategic cooperation with Romania”
Vatra Dornei, July 9, 2025 – At the Regional Economic Forum Moldova, within Panel 1 dedicated to Strategic Investments in the Expanded Moldova Region, cultural tourism, historical heritage and cross‑border cooperation were brought to the forefront by local leaders and representatives of the two Romanian‑language states. The interventions by Milești’s mayor, Petru Leucă, Ambassador Victor Chirilă, and CAPDR President Ion Ștefanovici outlined a shared vision for the future of tourism cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
Petru Leucă: “Only four manor houses in Moldova are restored. What about the other 38?”
The mayor of Milești commune, Petru Leucă, raised a major issue: the state of degradation of Moldovan noble heritage and the lack of coherent revitalization strategies.
“Over the last 15 years in Romania, a great deal of money has been invested in restoring manors and noble estates. My question to the Ambassador is how he views the restoration of the manors in the Republic of Moldova – we have 42, of which only four are restored. Is this an opportunity or a challenge for cross‑border cooperation?”
Victor Chirilă: “Cahul can become a renowned resort again if we learn from each other”
Ambassador Victor Chirilă responded with a concrete example of potential collaboration: twinning between tourist cities in the two countries.
“I don’t know if Cahul is twinned with Vatra Dornei, but it would be a very good idea. Cahul has been and still is a spa resort, but it’s not fully utilized today. The experience of the authorities from Vatra Dornei would be extremely helpful for Cahul.”
Regarding manor restoration, the ambassador emphasized the need to integrate them into a broader cultural and economic development concept:
“Restoration must be part of a larger project that leverages the history and culture of that village or town. It’s not enough to refurbish a building if it does not become a tourist magnet and a pillar of local identity.”
Chirilă illustrated this with the situation in his native village Lăpușna, where a restoration project failed due to lack of continuity strategy.
“A manor was built from scratch and died. Not because funds ran out, but because there was no project to give it life.”
Ion Ștefanovici: “From the Carpathians to the Dniester, we must travel the path with clear ideas and concrete projects”
CAPDR President Ion Ștefanovici shared his recent experience in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting how much local initiative and human involvement matter in transforming places.
“I went to Ștefan Vodă, near Purcari. There, a lady from ANTRIM living in Chișinău runs an extraordinary guesthouse. Pool, view of the Dniester, integration into cultural programs. This is vision and determination.”
He underlined that resources exist, but what is missing is integrated vision and sustainable partnerships.
“Man makes the place sacred. Everything depends on how you organize, what ideas you bring, and with what outcome. There is money in the market. Investors exist. We just need to open the channels.”
Ion Ștefanovici continued with a plea for cross‑border cooperation.
“From Vatra Dornei, from the Carpathians, to the Dniester, we walk this road and carry out projects. And down to the Black Sea. These are not just big words – these are steps that must be taken.”
He also mentioned a cook from Ștefan Vodă who, in his opinion, makes sweets better than the famous Dulcinella pastries.
“Dulcinella is nothing compared to what this lady makes. They have flavor! I hope she comes to Romania as well, so we can help her bring her products.”
Emotion and gratitude from Soroca
In a spontaneous intervention, Iurii Tănase, vice‑president of Soroca district, paid deep tribute to the Romanian university system.
“I want to thank the University of Suceava for caring for my son, who has just graduated in Law. Romania owes us nothing, but helps us because, as we also say, blood isn’t water.”
Conclusion: Tourism, living culture and strategic partnership
The interventions at FERM 2025 demonstrated that tourism is not just an industry, but a bridge between communities, a link between states, and a way to bring historical identity back to life. With vivid examples from Cahul, Ștefan Vodă, Milești or Soroca, and the sincere involvement of dedicated leaders, Romania and the Republic of Moldova can build together a region that not only attracts visitors, but rediscovers its soul.
