Ion ȘTEFANOVICI at FERM 2025: “The Romania–China relationship must become pragmatic and concrete. The Moldova Region needs an applied strategy”

REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025

19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025

Thematic Panel:

Positioning Moldova in the Romania–China Economic Partnership

Speaker:

Ion Ștefanovici – President of CAPDR

Presentation Topic:

“Strategic Positioning of the Moldova Region within the Romania–China Economic Partnership through Concrete Initiatives in Foreign Trade, Investments, and Regional Cooperation”

The Romania–China economic relationship and the Moldova Region’s potential to efficiently connect to this international axis were at the center of the speech delivered by Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR), at the opening of Panel 3 of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, held in Vatra Dornei.

Under the title “Positioning Moldova in the Romania–China Economic Partnership”, the panel discussed concrete opportunities for expanding foreign trade, attracting Asian investments, and creating modern commercial and logistical infrastructures tailored to the demands of the Chinese market.

Cluj – Model of Organization and International Presence

Ion Ștefanovici began his intervention with a candid comparative analysis between Romania’s regions, highlighting the lack of initiative and strategic organization among local leaders in the North-East:

“I have observed that in Transylvania and Banat there are genuine and consistent concerns for foreign trade. Industrial parks have emerged there, but they were not the result of chance; they were the outcome of coordinated efforts, clear plans, relationships, and concrete initiatives.”

As a notable example, he mentioned Emil Boc, former Prime Minister and current Mayor of Cluj, stating that he represents an active presence in international decision-making structures.

“I met him in Brussels as President of the Committee of the Regions, very present, very involved. This year, I also found him in Ningbo, China, at a collaboration format between Central and Eastern European countries and China. He was the only one delivering a speech with audio. That’s what it means to be present, have plans, and take action.”

Collaboration with China: Between Openness and Pragmatism

President Ion Ștefanovici openly acknowledged that the Romania–China bilateral relationship is complex, “a difficult topic,” which is precisely why it requires a realistic and applied approach:

“The dynamics of this relationship must acquire an extremely concrete and pragmatic character. We don’t have time for complaints or historical justifications. We must be present, take action, and build.”

He added that this initiative is not aimed solely at Romania, but also involves extending cooperation to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, regions that have active representatives at the forum and share the same strategic interests.

Presentation of Key Partners in the China Partnership

Ion Ștefanovici introduced the panel guests, personalities directly involved in developing Romania–China commercial relations:

• Nicolae Vasilescu, President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a strategic actor in building commercial bridges between the two countries;

• Gelu Chen, the largest importer of Romanian wines in China and distributor of consumer goods. “Although we met recently, I feel this is a friendship for the future. He speaks flawless Romanian and chose the name ‘Gelu’ to facilitate communication. He is an example of integration and cultural respect.”

• Ștefan Rădeanu, Secretary-General of UGIR, noted for his deep knowledge of bilateral dynamics, discovered during a joint visit to China: “I was very impressed by his thorough understanding of the economic context and Chinese realities, both good and bad.”

Concrete Initiative: Romania–China Branch in Iași

The highlight of Ștefanovici’s intervention was the announcement regarding the establishment of a regional branch of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce in Iași, starting this fall:

<em“If God helps us, we will open a Chamber branch in Iași this fall, which will have a regional function. If things go well, the model can be replicated in other counties in Moldova.”

Conclusion: Moldova Must Secure Its Place in the Global Economic Competition

Through this speech, Ion Ștefanovici conveyed a clear message: without involvement, active presence, and vision, Moldova risks missing the train of international investments.

“It is not the Habsburgs, the Germans, or our geographical location that hold us back. It is the lack of organization. But if we unite, organize ourselves, and have a concrete plan, we will succeed.”

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Conclusion

The Regional Economic Forum Moldova is a landmark event for the economic development of the Moldova Region, bringing together leaders from local and central administration, economic experts, investors, and international partners. The panel dedicated to the partnership with China opened discussions on expanding Romanian exports to the Asian market, logistical integration, trade digitalization, and the role of economic diplomacy in promoting the region.

Ion Ștefanovici’s intervention at Panel 3 of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025 represented a firm call for action, professionalization, and regional accountability. Beyond geographical or historical comparisons, his message was essential for the future of the Moldova Region: only through active presence, strategic planning, and real collaboration can the Romania–China partnership be transformed from a theoretical potential into a concrete economic reality.

Furthermore, the initiative to open a regional branch of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce in Iași could become the first step in a sustainable framework, repositioning Moldova on the map of major international trade flows.