President of the Suceava Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolae TROAȘE, at FERM 2025: “We are once again on the front lines. Not because it’s normal, but because that’s what we’ve become used to”

Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025 | Regional Economic Forum Moldova brought together, over the course of four days, key actors from local and central public administration, the business sector, academia, NGOs, and international organizations to discuss the future of a region at a crossroads.

During the official opening of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova (REFM), the President of the Suceava Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nicolae Troașe, spoke about the challenges facing the regional business environment, as well as the collaborative potential of the event.

Realism, Solidarity, and a Call to Action

“We are once again on the front line. Not because it’s normal, but because it’s what we’ve gotten used to.”, said Nicolae Troașe, addressing both the entrepreneurs in the room and the representatives of local and central government.

He emphasized the importance of having genuine businesspeople from the region present, such as Mr. Boca and Mr. Chiruță, whom he described as “dignified representatives of a business environment that doesn’t complain, but deeply feels the lack of real support.”

“It’s become a habit to look for solutions just to move forward. Not because we enjoy it, but because we have no other choice.”

Nicolae Troașe expressed deep concern regarding the lack of fiscal and legislative predictability, which he believes seriously affects entrepreneurs’ investment decisions:

“It is very difficult to make decisions regarding future investments. We don’t have a clear, coherent framework that would allow us to plan.”

He pointed out that most real entrepreneurs “reinvest 60–70–80% of their profits into development”, but that many projects are currently on hold due to ongoing uncertainties.

The State – From Partner to Competitor

Another sensitive issue was the relationship with the state, which the CCI Suceava leader described with candor.

“We knew the state was a shareholder in private companies, but now it’s starting to become a significant one.”

The President of CCI Suceava criticized the increasing fiscal pressure on companies and the unfair competition on the labor market, where the state attracts human resources from the private sector without offering the same level of responsibility or efficiency.

Nicolae Troașe also spoke about the risk that the outcomes of such forums remain only on paper:

“I hope that, this time, what we communicate will actually reach the decision-makers’ desks – not just be filed away. Unfortunately, most of the time, that’s exactly what happens.”

Still, he appreciated the openness of some local government representatives, such as Suceava County Council President Gheorghe Șoldan, who, coming from the private sector, “better understands our messages and is receptive to dialogue.”

The Business Community – The Region’s True Driving Force

Nicolae Troașe insisted that the region’s development power comes from the ground up, from companies that create jobs, invest, and take on risks. In his view, entrepreneurs are not just taxpayers or employers, but also vectors of social stability and economic cohesion, especially in vulnerable or underfunded areas.

“We are the largest employers and the biggest taxpayers. We should be taken seriously – not just summoned for image consultations. The regional business environment isn’t asking for privileges. It simply asks for respect, predictability, and a framework that doesn’t constantly push it into a defensive position.”

He noted that this community, often invisible in political debates, is nonetheless the first to respond in a crisis, the first to adapt, the first to reinvest in the economy. Without its involvement, any effort toward regional development risks lacking a solid foundation.

Though his speech was marked by discontent, it ended on an energetic note, with a message of confidence and solidarity.

“Even though the times are tough, we remain optimistic. There’s no point in being otherwise. We’re here, standing tall – just as we’ve always been.”

Conclusion: A Necessary Voice at a Critical Moment

Nicolae Troașe’s intervention at REFM 2025 was more than a formal address – it was the voice of a business leader unafraid to speak the truth. Between realism and hope, between constructive criticism and a call for cooperation, he reminded everyone that regional development begins with the courage to acknowledge problems and the will to build solutions together.

Without notes or diplomatic phrases, he said what many are thinking: the business environment can no longer be treated as a resource the state exploits, but as an equal partner. He stressed that without predictability and a coherent vision, entrepreneurs hesitate to invest – and when investments slow down, the entire economic ecosystem suffers.

In a tone of realism, but grounded in dignity, solidarity, and responsibility, Nicolae Troașe reaffirmed the vital role of entrepreneurs who, despite the lack of real support, continue to sustain the economy, create jobs, and invest in their communities.