FERM 2025 | Message from President Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, delivered through the voice of the young Veronica MOROZ, at the opening of the Tourism and Culture panels in the Moldova Region: “A region without culture is a region without a soul”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
Within the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, held in Vatra Dornei between July 9 and 13, decision-makers, experts, investors, and representatives of public authorities from the region and across Europe came together. The event provides a crucial strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration across various sectors, aiming to identify innovative solutions and promote the sustainable development of the Moldova Region.
At the opening of Panel 7 – “Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region” and Panel 10 – “Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion,” the message of President Ion Ștefanovici (CAPDR) was delivered through the young Veronica-Paraschiva Moroz, who played an active role in presenting it.
“A region without culture is a region without a soul”
President Ion Ștefanovici emphasized in his message that Moldova possesses significant resources, yet the mechanisms needed to transform them into a “living economy” are still lacking.
His message highlighted that a region without culture loses its soul, and a region without tourism remains invisible. Moldova has both, but they have not yet been integrated into a consciously assumed destiny, a coherent strategy, and a dynamic economy. The strategic formulation stressed that tourism and culture should not be seen as separate fields, but as two complementary facets of the same regional identity, which must be actively leveraged, not merely commemorated.
“Tourism and culture should not be seen as separate fields, but as two complementary facets of the same regional identity.”
From Heritage to Economic Engine
During the intervention, cultural heritage, authentic gastronomy, traditional crafts, and experimental cultural initiatives were presented as elements that can be integrated into a unified economic strategy. The “Via Moldavia” project was mentioned—a cultural and tourist route with the potential to become the “backbone” of the region’s economic and social regeneration process.
“Culture is not merely a decoration but a strategic resource. Tourism should not be viewed as a seasonal industry, but as a gateway to the essence of who we are and the potential of what we can become.”
Collaboration and Cross-Border Cultural Networks
The central message was a strong call for cooperation between local authorities, the business environment, the cultural sector, and communities to create cultural networks that transcend national borders. The goal is to build authentic bridges between institutions, artists, communities, investors, and authorities—a network anchored in identity but oriented towards the future.
“Let us take advantage of these days to build authentic bridges between institutions, artists, communities, investors, and authorities—a network that surpasses county and national borders, anchored in identity but oriented towards the future.”
The Forum – A Strategic Platform for Policies and Partnerships
The Moldova Regional Economic Forum is an essential platform for strategic dialogue among decision-makers, investors, experts, public authorities, and international organizations.
The Forum seeks not only to identify new investment opportunities but also to develop public policies adapted to the regional context, grounded in Moldova’s concrete realities and potential.
“The Forum provides a strategic platform to identify investment opportunities and develop policies tailored to the regional context.”
Conclusions
The message delivered through young Veronica highlighted the essential role of culture and tourism in shaping the identity and sustainable development of the Moldova Region. These two sectors must be seen as complementary elements which, when strategically integrated, can transform cultural heritage and tourism potential into a real and sustainable economic engine.
The appeal was clear for cooperation among local authorities, the business sector, artists, and communities, to build strong and lasting networks that can transcend administrative borders and contribute to the region’s regeneration. The emphasis was on concrete actions, strengthening collaborations, and the active involvement of all relevant actors in the development process.
Finally, the message reminded that the future of Moldova is built not only by preserving traditions but also through innovation and active engagement, creating a living identity valued both economically and socially.
