Ion Ștefanovici, in an interview on Radio As, on the regional development process of Moldova: Challenges, opportunities, perspectives

Radio AS Suceava had as its guest Mr. Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR (Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning), where several topics were discussed: the Moara Campus project, CAPDR’s role in promoting regional development, the impact of migration, mountain economy, and the need to support local production

In the first part of the interview, Ion Ștefanovici emphasized the crucial role of CAPDR in promoting regional development in Romania. He underscored the importance of analyses and strategic planning in resource management and in facilitating access to European funds for infrastructure projects and local development.

Additionally, the President of CAPDR presented the importance and purpose of the dual campus project at Moara during the Radio AS Suceava interview, highlighting its significance for the region.

In the second part of the interview, the discussion focused on the impact of migration in Romania’s regions. Ion Ștefanovici addressed current migration trends and their effects on local communities, as well as proposed measures to counteract depopulation and stimulate local economic development.

Furthermore, the importance of the Vatra Dornei Forum in promoting dialogue and identifying common solutions for the sustainable development of Romania’s mountain regions was discussed. Mr. Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the activities of Mr. Radu Rey, a prominent figure, emphasizing the role of such events in strengthening partnerships and encouraging local initiatives to capitalize on the natural and cultural resources of mountain regions.

CAPDR, its importance and role in the region of Moldova

In the first part of the interview with Radio As, Ion Ștefanovici discusses in detail the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR), highlighting its importance and role in the Moldova region. He explains that CAPDR was established out of necessity within the Moldova regional economic forum, following the working model of the North-East Regional Development Agency (ADR Nord-Est). Over the years, ADR Nord-Est had been the primary organizer of this forum until 2019, after which the pandemic necessitated a pause in its organization.

CAPDR is responsible for coordinating regional development activities in six counties in northeastern Romania. The center aims to integrate infrastructure, economic, and social projects to counteract population migration and promote sustainable economic growth in the region. Ion Ștefanovici emphasizes that starting in 2023, CAPDR took over the organization of the forum in a new format, adapted to the region’s new challenges and needs.

The dual campus in Moara, an extremely necessary project for Suceava and other counties in the region

Ion Ștefanovici presented in his interview with Radio As Suceava the importance and purpose of the dual campus project at Moara, emphasizing its critical role for the region. The Moara dual campus is seen as an extremely necessary project, but Ion Ștefanovici underscored that it is essential for the community to understand its utility and provide appropriate support. He mentioned that the project impacts three counties – Suceava, Botoșani, and Neamț – and stressed the importance of convincing parents that dual education is no longer perceived as a lower-tier option. The focus is on valuing various professions such as waiter, chef, barber, carpenter, mechanic, welder, and others, each playing a significant role in the economy and community.

“We need to convince parents that dual education is not what they used to think it was. When we talk about a profession, we need to return to the concept of valorization and appreciation of trades. Whether it’s a waiter, chef, barber, carpenter, mechanic, or any other specialization, the list is long. All these specialists, I call them specialists, regardless of their level of training or courses taken, need to find their place at home,” stated Ion Ștefanovici.

He added that it is necessary to return to the concept of appreciating and valuing trades, providing all specialists, regardless of their level of training, the opportunity to find their place in society. He emphasized that investments in specialized laboratories are crucial to simulate economic reality and prepare young people for the job market. He also highlighted efforts to attract the private sector to this project, particularly amidst a severe labor shortage in sectors such as tourism.

The profound impact of labor migration on the Moldova Region

This part of the interview highlights the profound impact of migration on regions in Romania and the necessary efforts to counteract the negative effects of depopulation, as well as to stimulate local economic development.

1. Proposed measures to counter labor migration: Ion Ștefanovici emphasized the need for concrete measures to reverse the depopulation trend. These include initiatives to stimulate local economic activity, create jobs, improve infrastructure, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract investments, and encourage entrepreneurial initiatives.
2. The importance of strategic interventions: Strategic interventions are crucial in adapting to the specificities of each region and efficiently managing available resources. These include tailored strategies to address the specific needs of local communities and maximize the potential for economic and social development.

The second part of the interview with Ion Ștefanovici addresses a vital subject for regional development in Romania, highlighting the need for concerted actions tailored to the migratory and socio-economic realities of each region. This represents an opportunity to implement effective policies and programs that support the revitalization of local communities and contribute to sustainable long-term development.

Despre rolul și importanța economiei montane

Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR (Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning), discussed mountain economy and also mentioned Mr. Radu Rey, a prominent figure who has dedicated 50 years to researching the economic and social specifics and the mountain lifestyle.

Ion Ștefanovici emphasized the importance of mountain economy, highlighting that within certain regions there are micro-regions focused on the specific economy of a locality. “Let’s not repeat general information that we have propagated, perhaps in the Republic of Moldova or through other channels, when we are in Suceava, let’s discuss immediate issues,” he said, stressing the relevance of a local and specific approach.

A central aspect of the discussion was the contribution of Mr. Radu Rey. “Mr. Radu Rey is a true connoisseur, at 84 years old, extremely knowledgeable and consistent and professional, which is rare in the field of mountain economy,” stated Ștefanovici, highlighting Radu Rey’s dedication and expertise. His activity spanning over 50 years in the field of mountain economy has had a significant impact on the Vatra Dornei region and beyond.

Another aspect discussed was the socio-economic impact of the disappearance of certain traditional practices, such as transhumance economy. “The pastures, no longer used through that small economy of transhumance, which has multiple valences and has a tradition of tens to hundreds of years, perhaps, and disappearing due to obvious reasons, have driven away the herdsmen, there is no longer interest if you don’t have what to do with the specific products of a transhumance,” explained Ștefanovici. This observation underscores the importance of maintaining and revitalizing traditional economic practices to support the local economy and cultural identity of the region.

Conclusion

The President of CAPDR emphasized the need to invest in specialized laboratories that simulate economic reality and underscored the considerable efforts required to involve the private sector in this process. He discussed the desperate situation in the private sector, which, despite infrastructure investments, faces a shortage of skilled personnel. Thus, he underscored the importance of the Moara dual campus project in the current context of the Moldova region, providing a clear perspective on the challenges and opportunities of this educational and economic initiative.

In conclusion, Ion Ștefanovici offered insights into the Vatra Dornei Forum. He highlighted the crucial role of this event in promoting dialogue among various stakeholders and in identifying common solutions for the sustainable development of Romania’s mountainous regions.