Public Administrator of Suceava County, Cezar IOJA, at FERM 2025: “We are doing everything within our power to make Suceava County’s infrastructure competitive.”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Panel topic:
Strategic Investments in the Moldova Region
Speaker:
Cezar Ioja: Public Administrator, Suceava County Council
Intervention topic:
“Infrastructure, Connectivity and Economic Zones”
Cezar Ioja, Public Administrator of the Suceava County Council, highlighted during his speech the strategic role of infrastructure and economic zones in the development of Romania’s North-East region. Representing one of the largest counties in the country in terms of area and population, Suceava positions itself as a regional hub with significant potential, but with clear needs for investment and connectivity.
Road infrastructure: an unprecedented effort in Suceava County
Ioja emphasized that, out of a total network of 1,158 km of county roads, 990 km are under the administration of the County Council. In 2025, the highest amount ever allocated for the rehabilitation and modernization of county roads – 310 million euros – has been budgeted.
Among the ongoing or recently completed projects, he mentioned:
- An €85 million project for the rehabilitation of three county roads, recently signed through the North-East Regional Development Agency (ADR Nord-Est);
- Panaci–Bilbor Road (PNDL) – currently delayed, but with a firm commitment to complete it by the end of next year;
- The Suceava–Dolhasca–Dărmănești axis (75 km) – work reception is scheduled in the coming weeks;
- “The Italians’ Road” (Bistrița Valley–Moldova Valley) – final reception expected within two weeks;
- New road network in the Fălticeni–Mălini–Slatina area – funded with €85 million;
- 150 km of roads rehabilitated this year alone, with the goal of almost completely eliminating dirt and gravel roads by the end of the current term.
“In terms of road infrastructure, I believe that by the end of this mandate, Suceava County will look good.”
Regional and cross-border cooperation for connectivity
Cezar Ioja emphasized the county’s openness to neighboring areas and to Ukraine. Suceava already has three border crossing points in the north, with projects nearing completion. Additionally, the County Council is ready to finalize the Coșna–Teșna–Grădinița project once authorities in Bistrița begin the complementary works.
“We are working closely with neighboring counties. As soon as they start construction, we’re ready to ensure continuity and extend road access toward Năsăud and Bistrița.”
European-standard air infrastructure in Suceava County
Another strategic pillar mentioned was the “Ștefan cel Mare” International Airport in Suceava, currently undergoing major modernization. The projects include:
- Implementation of a CAT III ILS system (instrument landing system for low-visibility conditions) – the only one in the country outside Otopeni Airport;
- Modernization of the runway, boarding area, and terminal;
- Expansion of the terminal from 3,300 m² to 10,000 m²;
- Construction of a cargo terminal.
“We’ve already signed a contract with Wizz Air to establish a base in Suceava with two aircraft. Starting January, we’ll have 8 new routes – including to Italy, Brussels, Vienna, the UK, and Germany.”
Economic zones and investor incentives
To complement the physical infrastructure, the county administration is also investing in creating a favorable environment for private investment:
- An official memorandum was initiated to establish a free economic zone near the airport;
- There is already an active industrial park in Siret, with two additional sites prepared for future industrial parks;
- The Suceava County Council has created a specialized department for attracting and supporting investors, assisting with permits and interfacing with government institutions.
“Investors choose locations where conditions ensure profitability. That’s why we focus on providing not only the necessary infrastructure, but also tax incentives and concrete support to facilitate investments.”
Healthcare, culture, and energy efficiency
In addition to transport and economic infrastructure, Cezar Ioja also mentioned other strategic sectors:
- Investments in the Suceava County Hospital – ongoing and evaluated projects totaling over €50 million;
- Energy rehabilitation of public buildings owned by the County Council;
- Restoration works at the Suceava Fortress, a major cultural and tourist landmark.
“At the County Hospital, which is administered by the Suceava County Council, we currently have projects underway and under evaluation worth over €50 million.”
Conclusions:
Cezar Ioja highlights a concrete and measurable commitment to the development of Suceava County through major investments in road and air infrastructure – fundamental elements for regional connectivity and competitiveness.
The prioritization of essential projects such as the modernization of county roads, the expansion of “Ștefan cel Mare” Airport, and the creation of free economic zones reflects a clear and pragmatic strategy to stimulate business and attract investors.
The active role of the public administration, under Ioja’s leadership, is materialized in facilitating access to funding, reducing bureaucracy, and promoting regional cooperation – all key elements for ensuring the sustainable development of Suceava County.
