Strategic Investments and International Openness for the Development of Moldova | A Debate between Ion ȘTEFANOVICI (CAPDR) and Viorica DĂNCILĂ (former Prime Minister, former MEP)
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
Thematic Panel:
Strategic Investments in the Extended Moldova Region
Speakers:
Ion Ștefanovici – President of CAPDR
Viorica Dăncilă – former Prime Minister of Romania, former Member of the European Parliament
Topic of the Intervention:
“Airports and Attracting Foreign Investments”
During Panel I – “Strategic Investments in the Extended Moldova Region,” a debate took place between Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR, and Viorica Dăncilă, former Prime Minister of Romania and former MEP. The discussion focused mainly on the Middle East’s interest in Romania and economic and diplomatic cooperation opportunities to support Moldova’s development, emphasizing the need for a coherent and proactive approach by Romanian authorities.
The topics addressed reflected current challenges but also the significant potential of the region, analyzed from the perspective of airport infrastructure, international partnerships, regional imbalances, and the need for a common strategy oriented toward concrete results.
Airport Infrastructure – Between Regional Potential and Institutional Blockages
President Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the uneven state of airport modernization in the region.
“Iași is already in a good phase. Bacău still faces difficulties, and Suceava indeed serves practically two counties. Botoșani and Suceava can rely on the same airport – the distances are minimal.”
The modernization of airports must be complemented by an active investment attraction strategy, which is currently lacking due to institutional dysfunctions.
“ARICE in Bucharest is completely disjointed. Leadership changes too often, lacks depth. It doesn’t function properly with us or with others.”
Ion Ștefanovici emphasized the need for building strong personal and diplomatic relations, stating that Romania does not sufficiently capitalize on historical foreign policy connections:
“I saw it with my own eyes – at the Foreign Ministry, Mrs. Dăncilă is highly regarded. Romanians don’t really know this, but I’ve learned it’s good to have friends and to nurture them. To find common ground, whether they are from our region or from Asia.”
“The Problem Isn’t With Foreign Partners, It’s With Us”
Viorica Dăncilă provided a practical and realistic overview of international economic partnerships during her term:
“In 2018 and 2019, I signed a public-private partnership for the Ploiești–Brașov Highway with companies from China, Turkey, and France. The project was supported, but eliminated in 2020.”
She pointed out that Gulf countries and China still show strong openness towards Romania, but the initiative and seriousness must come from Romanian authorities:
“The Emiratis signed for a cargo airport in Bucharest-South and a resort in Făgăraș. We were the ones who didn’t follow through.”
“For nine years I handled relations with China, Israel, and the Gulf countries. There’s still great openness. The problem is on our side.”
Viorica Dăncilă also warned about the uncertain future EU budget and agricultural subsidies, proposing a proactive vision:
“Don’t count on cohesion funds remaining at current levels. Think of alternatives – direct relations with financially capable countries, private investments, and public-private partnerships.”
Regional Imbalances and Iași’s Centripetal Force
CAPDR President Ion Ștefanovici also addressed the issue of regional imbalances, focusing on the excessive concentration in Iași at the expense of other counties.
“Iași pulls in the whole region. There are 4 million residents in our region, plus another million from the Republic of Moldova. Medical and educational service efficiency is affected.”
Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the excessive concentration of university and medical services in Iași, drawing attention to its negative impact on regional balance. He emphasized the important role of universities in Suceava and Bacău in ensuring equitable access to education and services, and the need for public policies to support balanced regional development.
“USV is doing an exceptional job. It has a regional reach, including from the Republic of Moldova. But we need to train young people to return home, not just remain at the center.”
Conclusions: Openness, Partnerships, and a Common Strategy
The conclusions of the debate between Ion Ștefanovici and Viorica Dăncilă outline a shared direction for the future of the Moldova region, highlighting the need for a unified and coherent development strategy based on international openness, sustainable partnerships, and coordinated actions. It was emphasized that the region’s modernization cannot rely solely on EU funds or isolated initiatives but must be supported by an integrated vision, where economic diplomacy becomes essential in attracting foreign investments.
Sustainable regional development requires close cooperation between local and central authorities, effective and professional governance, and better utilization of traditional external relations, especially with countries in the Middle East and Asia. At the same time, diversification of funding sources is needed, including through public-private partnerships and smart investments in infrastructure, education, and public services.
Another key point is the rebalancing of university and medical service distribution, to reduce pressure on Iași and encourage the growth of other regional centers such as Suceava and Bacău.
Overall, the Moldova region has significant potential, but also structural challenges that can only be overcome through a clear strategy, well-planned actions, and genuine openness to cooperation, both internally and externally.
