Dialogue at FERM 2025 between Rodica FRECĂUȚANU (Caroma Nord) and Nicolae VASILESCU (Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry): “China comes where it is invited — but we must be ready with concrete projects and seriousness”
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:
Moldova’s positioning in the Romania–China economic partnership
Speaker:
Nicolae Vasilescu – President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Speech topic:
“Access of local actors and civil society from the Republic of Moldova to concrete economic partnerships with China”
During Panel 3 – Moldova’s positioning in the Romania–China economic partnership, Rodica Frecăuțanu, Executive Director of CAROMA NORD NGO from Bălți, raised an essential question about the involvement of NGOs and local communities from the Republic of Moldova in economic projects with Chinese partners.
She highlighted the need for closer collaboration in innovative areas such as green transition and development of industrial parks, as well as the importance of involving youth in building sustainable bilateral relations.
Rodica Frecăuțanu, Executive Director and Founder of the CAROMA NORD NGO from Bălți, addressed a specific question to the President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolae Vasilescu, asking for clarifications on how local organizations or producer clusters from Moldova can be involved in these partnerships.
“I remembered we have a volunteer who works for a television station in Beijing, and in this context, what you said about involving young people in bilateral relations is very important.
But my question is, Mr. Vasilescu: in your plans for future projects or the establishment of the Iași branch, do you also consider industrial parks in the Republic of Moldova, including those based on green transition and circular economy concepts?”
She also emphasized Moldova’s growing interest in sustainable models, mentioning her active work on promoting legislative amendments in this direction.
Her intervention was supported by Ion Ștefanovici, president of CAPDR, who appreciated the relevance of the topic and linked it to the presentation of the Ungheni District delegation, emphasizing the role of free economic zones in future relations with China and other Asian countries.
“It is an adaptive model that can be based on Romania–Moldova shared infrastructure and external trends.”
Nicolae Vasilescu gave a direct and pragmatic response, encouraging initiative but stressing the need for professionalism.
If you have a concrete project, we’ll send it to China. But it must be very practical. Not just words. Whether it’s from public administration, private sector, or NGOs, turn it into a business plan, an investment project.”
The Chamber President explained that a Moldova–China Chamber of Commerce has already been established in Chișinău and that many bilateral projects have taken place, including in the wine sector, together with the National Office of Vine and Wine of the Republic of Moldova.
If you have a small winery, you have no chance in China. But if you have a hub with 70 families producing good wine, you can aim for the premium wine market. Premium wine means not quantity, but quality and fair pricing.”
Vasilescu advised local producers in Moldova to attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, held in November.
“Contact the Wine Office in Moldova. Tell them you have this cluster. They will give you a booth and you will go straight to China. And I tell you that it is impossible not to find import partners for your wines if you go there.”
Rodica Frecăuțanu’s intervention ended on a note of gratitude and appreciation.
“Congratulations to Mr. Ștefanovici for gathering such brave people around him. It’s a pleasure to be in a context where we can think long term. Thank you to all speakers.”
Conclusion: a real bridge between local initiative and the Chinese market
The dialogue between Rodica Frecăuțanu, a representative of civil society from the Republic of Moldova, and Nicolae Vasilescu, President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was more than a simple discussion – it outlined a viable collaboration model that can transform regional economic relations.
This exchange highlighted a clear mutual interest and real potential for developing lasting partnerships between local Moldovan actors and the Chinese market, provided the initiatives are approached with professionalism and seriousness.
