Maria TOMCO, Credit Officer at FAER IFN S.A. Câmpulung Moldovenesc, at FERM 2025: “We provide financing tailored to the realities of the mountain economy”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Mountain Economy – Sustainable Development and Valorization of Local Resources
Speaker:
Maria Tomco – Credit Officer – Rural Financing Company FAER IFN S.A., Câmpulung Moldovenesc Branch
Topic of the speech:
“Bank Loans in Mountain Areas”
One of the key points of the discussion was the intervention of Maria Tomco, who presented efficient co-financing solutions for EU projects and flexible credit lines for local development. She highlighted the role of non-bank institutions in supporting rural and mountain communities by offering financial solutions adapted to local realities.
Financial Support for EU-Funded Projects
“If they have projects funded by the European Union, we can help with the co-financing part,” she explained, stating that the institution she represents operates similarly to a bank and offers repayable loans with interest to cover the applicant’s own contribution for EU-funded projects.
Since EU funding does not cover 100% of project costs, the beneficiary’s contribution becomes a major challenge. That’s where support from non-bank institutions comes in: co-financing loans of up to €50,000 are available under flexible conditions tailored to the region’s economic realities.
Regional Availability and Personalized Support
For those interested, Maria Tomco mentioned that representatives are already present in each county, with contact details available in the brochures distributed at the event.
“Each brochure contains a representative for each county we operate in. I can connect you with my colleagues from Bistrița or right outside this room.”
Loans Tailored for Agriculture and Local Economy
“When granting financing for agriculture, we take into account all of the client’s income,” stated Ms. Tomco
She gave the example of a farmer supplying milk to a company, who, although not having a fixed salary, regularly earns income that can support loan repayments.
The institution thus supports farmers and small entrepreneurs in mountainous areas by providing real access to financial resources for developing their businesses and attracting European funds.
Clear Terms and Practical Examples
For a 15,000 lei loan over 3 years, the client must have a minimum monthly income of 2,000 lei (from salary or pension). The fixed monthly installment is 570 lei, set from the beginning of the loan period and maintained throughout.
Two Types of Financial Products Available:
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Investment Loan – granted for 1 to 7 years, with monthly repayment of principal and interest;
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Credit Line – for 18 months: for the first 15 months, only interest on the used amount is paid, then the loan is repaid in 3 installments. If necessary, the period can be extended by another 18 months.
An important advantage of the credit line: the client pays interest only on the amount actually used, not the entire line accessed.
A Real Opportunity for Mountain Communities
Maria Tomco’s message was clear: financial support must be a catalyst for sustainable development, not an obstacle. Through regionally adapted financial products, the institution offers a valuable tool for modernizing agriculture, accessing EU funds, and supporting the mountain economy.
Her intervention provided a practical and immediately applicable perspective, contributing to the mission of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova: creating an active cooperation framework for the balanced development of the Moldova Region
