Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, at the opening of FERM 2025: “Without a clear national plan, the Moldova Region risks being left without direction”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
The 19th edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum opened in the heart of the Moldova Region, in Vatra Dornei, with a powerful message delivered by the President of the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning (CAPDR), Ion Ștefanovici
In front of an international audience made up of leaders from public administration, the business environment, and international organizations, Ștefanovici outlined the main directions for regional development and launched a clear call for solidarity, vision, and administrative efficiency.
An event with multiple stakes
“Once again, welcome to Vatra Dornei, to Țara Dornelor, in the heart of the Moldova Region!” was the opening greeting from the CAPDR president, who emphasized the importance of continuity for this event. The Forum was taken over from the North-East RDA, which organized the first 16 editions, and the current CAPDR team is carrying the mission forward — for the third consecutive time in 2025.
With 11 distinct thematic lines, the Forum spans three days and takes place in multiple venues: Palatul Dornelor (economic panels and strategic investments), Vatra Dornei City Hall (health), CEMONT (agriculture and mountain economy), and Casa de Cultură (tourism and culture). The third day is dedicated to on-site activities, with visits to economic objectives in the Dornelor Basin.
Economy, energy, foreign trade, and financing – vital topics
“We will discuss strategic investments, foreign trade, EU funds, energy, and international relations. The energy panel is essential in the context of market liberalization. Unfortunately, I believe we are not prepared for what’s coming,” Ștefanovici warned.
Among the key guests are representatives of national companies such as OMV Petrom and PPC (formerly Enel), along with technical directors from key ministries. “I’m not a fan of ministers — I prefer professional discussions with specialists. This is about real solutions, not political image,” he added.
Lack of a national plan and the need for coherence
With sincerity and a hint of bitterness, the CAPDR president criticized the lack of a coherent national vision: “I can’t understand what the national plan is at this moment. If we don’t have a common benchmark with the Romanian Government, where do we still find ourselves? We have multidisciplinary concerns, but without strategic coordination, we remain fragmented.”
Appreciation for committed local administrations
Ion Ștefanovici publicly thanked the president of the Suceava County Council, Gheorghe Șoldan, for his openness to the Forum and active involvement in the county’s economic issues: “He immediately understood the importance of the Forum and clearly said: ‘Go ahead, I support you with everything you need!’” Likewise, the mayor of Vatra Dornei, Marius Rîpan, was praised for administrative continuity and stability: “A local administration that knows the realities and supports sustainable development.”
A call for realism, collaboration, and transformation
At the end of his speech, Ion Ștefanovici issued a call for vigilance and action: “A wind of change is coming. In the next five months, pay attention to everything happening in Romania. Seize the opportunities. Our relationship with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova must become an advantage, not an obstacle.”
He warned that autumn will bring a series of challenges, but also real opportunities for transformation. The 2025–2030 Multiannual Programmatic Document will form the basis for the region’s development and must be supported by all administrative levels: “Only through a joint effort will we be able to overcome this critical moment. Public-private collaboration must become an effective tool, not just a theoretical formula.”
Conclusion
The Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2025 is not just an annual event, but a true strategic platform shaping the future of a region with immense potential and complex challenges. Through the direct involvement of local leaders, technical specialists, and investors from within and beyond the region, the Forum becomes a key catalyst for change and the reforms needed for sustainable development.
The speech of CAPDR president Ion Ștefanovici highlighted both the current difficulties — the absence of a coherent national plan, economic tensions, regulatory changes — and the opportunities that can be harnessed through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility. The emphasis on professionalism, open dialogue, and public-private partnerships forms the foundation of harmonious development that can transform Moldova’s geographic and economic potential into a true competitive advantage.
Moreover, the openness towards partners from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and other neighboring regions underscores the importance of a cross-border vision — one capable of surpassing old paradigms and adding value to local communities. Thus, the Forum reaffirms that the current challenges — economic, social, or infrastructural — can only be overcome through sustained, integrated efforts focused on the future.
In this context, the Moldova Regional Economic Forum becomes an indispensable reference point for all those who want to contribute to the real and sustainable progress of the region, in a world that is constantly changing.
