President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce, Nicolae Vasilescu, at FERM 2025: “The True Moldova Means Unity Beyond Borders”

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

At the opening of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Nicolae Vasilescu, President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed strong support for the economic and social development of the Moldova region, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and active involvement of all relevant stakeholders.

A Broadened Moldova – A Strategic Vision for Development

Nicolae Vasilescu, President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need to recognize and value the cross-border dimension of the Moldova region. He advocated for a conceptual expansion of Moldova beyond its current administrative boundaries, within an integrative vision that also includes the territory of the Republic of Moldova — a region that shares with Romania a common history, a rich culture, and deep social and economic ties.

“I also congratulate you for understanding that Moldova includes the Moldova of our brothers across the border. Because that is the true Moldova. And together, we will be able to implement projects that bring us even closer, strengthening long-lasting economic and human ties.”

This positioning is not just a symbolic gesture, but aligns with a strategic direction increasingly emphasized in the current regional context – namely integration through joint initiatives focused on investment, infrastructure, rural development, digitization, or energy transition.

Nicolae Vasilescu stressed that developing Moldova as a region cannot be conceived in isolation, but must be anchored in a transnational dynamic emphasizing complementarity, exchange of expertise, and economic synergies.

According to the President of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, cross-border projects can become concrete tools for reducing development gaps, increasing mobility, and supporting social cohesion. Moreover, they can contribute to building a shared economic identity, in which institutional partnerships become the backbone of a connected, competitive, and sustainable Moldova.

The Chamber System – A Key Player in Regional Economic Development

After highlighting the cross-border dimension of Moldova, Nicolae Vasilescu emphasized the essential role of the Romanian chamber system in supporting regional economic and social development processes. He conveyed a clear message of openness and cooperation from the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, inviting local actors to take advantage of the expertise and resources the chamber system can offer:

“Know that I will always stand by you and your initiatives, offering in conclusion a greeting on behalf of the Romanian chamber system and an invitation to become part of this system, with the support of Mr. Ștefanovici.”

This underscores the capacity of the chamber network to function as a catalyst for local development by facilitating market access, promoting investments, supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises, and transferring best practices in management and innovation.

Sustainable Development Through Joint Projects and Specialized Expertise

Nicolae Vasilescu also emphasized the need for well-founded projects that integratively address priority areas such as healthcare, energy, habitat, sustainable development, and natural resource management.

He praised initiatives that bring together “so many brilliant minds” to find innovative, applicable, and sustainable solutions, starting from a clear understanding of current realities as well as emerging opportunities in the region.

In this context, a complex perspective emerges, in which economic development is harmonized with social and environmental progress, supporting an integrated and sustainable model of regional advancement.

Conclusion:

Nicolae Vasilescu reaffirmed the strong commitment of the Romania–China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as of the entire Romanian chamber system, to support the economic and social development of the Moldova region. He emphasized that this support is not merely symbolic, but concrete — by facilitating access to resources, know-how, and networks of strategic partners.

The invitation to become part of the Romanian chamber system sends a clear message of institutional openness and cooperation, aiming to create a solid foundation for implementing sustainable projects and increasing regional competitiveness.

Through this appeal, Nicolae Vasilescu delivered a strong encouragement to all participants in the Forum: together, through commitment and open dialogue, innovative and effective solutions can be found for the complex challenges of Moldova’s development.