FERM 2024 | Message from the Head of the Funding Acquisition Department at CNAIR, Cristina Amarazeanu
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
“INVESTMENTS” Panel
Module II – The Development of Moldova through the A7 Highway, 18th Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024
SPEAKER – Cristina Amărăzeanu – Head of the Funding Acquisition Department at the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR)
TOPIC: “Financing Road Infrastructure Projects Promoted within the Moldova Region“
During the Investments Panel, Cristina Amărăzeanu, representative of the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR), presented details regarding the evolution and prospects of road infrastructure in the Moldova area.
A7 Highway – A Major Project for the Moldova Region
The A7 Highway, known as the “Moldova Highway,” is a major project of CNAIR. “The first construction wheel started in Ploiești, continuing through Ploiești, Buzău, Focșani, Bacău, and Pașcani, with funding sourced from the Resilience Program,” stated Cristina Amărăzeanu. She emphasized the importance of diversifying funding sources, noting that “we are not only focusing on PNRR funds, but we have also developed a resilience program, being the only country in Europe that finances highways through this program.”
The A7 Highway is not just a simple communication route but a complex infrastructure that incorporates the concept of sustainability. “These green highways include forest belts and bike paths, adhering to European Commission standards,” explained Amărăzeanu.
Extension to Suceava and Siret
The projects do not stop at Pașcani. The extension of the highway to Suceava and Siret is underway. “From Pașcani to Suceava, the design and execution stage will be launched soon, and for the Suceava – Siret section, we will complete the feasibility study by the end of August,” stated Amărăzeanu.
She highlighted that these sectors are being rigorously prepared, having been initiated as early as 2019. “We are in the final stage of preparing the feasibility studies, allowing us to move forward with the design and execution,” added the CNAIR representative.
The Crucial Role of Technical Expertise
A crucial aspect for the success of these projects is technical expertise. “We need road engineers just as we need doctors for medicine,” emphasized Cristina Amărăzeanu. CNAIR actively collaborates with specialized universities in Bucharest to attract and train young specialists: “We have established partnerships to ensure the transfer of expertise necessary for project implementation.”
Absorbing European Funds: A Historic Success
Cristina Amărăzeanu highlighted significant achievements in the absorption of European funds, an essential factor for road infrastructure development. “For the first time, road and transport infrastructure achieved a 100% absorption of European funds,” stated the Head of the Funding Acquisition Department at the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration.
She mentioned the challenges encountered, emphasizing the need for rigorous technical clarification to gain project approval from the European Commission. “To gain project approval without any additional clarification, solid technical expertise and a clear project presentation are required,” argued Amărăzeanu.
Future Projects and Local Partnerships
Another major project in the Moldova area is the Târgu Neamț-Iași-Ungheni Highway. “This year, in August-September, the environmental report is set to be issued, meaning the project is nearly finalized,” said Amărăzeanu. The financing for this project is secured through the Transport Program, and local authorities are actively involved in the process. “The company has established partnerships with the County Council to outsource the preparation and implementation phase of projects, such as the bypass route for the town of Gura Humorului,” added Cristina Amărăzeanu.
The Challenges and Achievements of Infrastructure Projects
Amărăzeanu also acknowledged the challenges faced in implementing these projects. “An infrastructure project always requires on-the-fly adaptation, new administrative acts or shortages of construction personnel always appear,” she explained. However, she emphasized that “on the A7 Highway, we are fortunate to collaborate with a Romanian company that owns a complete chain of equipment and human resources, facilitating construction progress.”
The Importance of Professional Training and Continuity
In conclusion, Cristina Amărăzeanu stressed the importance of professional training and continuity in developing infrastructure projects. “It is essential to attract young people to whom we can pass on knowledge and ensure an expertise transfer to continue these essential projects for Romania,” concluded the CNAIR representative.
