Public Administrator of Suceava County Council, Cezar IOJA, at FERM 2025: “We invest in infrastructure to transform Suceava into a strategic regional and cross-border hub”
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:
The Role of Infrastructure in Economic Development
Speaker:
Cezar Ioja – Public Administrator, Suceava County Council
Topic of the intervention:
“County infrastructure in the context of regional connections with Botoșani, Iași, Neamț, Harghita, Mureș, Bistrița-Năsăud, Maramureș counties and the border with Ukraine. Focus on strategic connections and cross-border infrastructure (e.g. Stânca–Costești Customs Point)”
Cezar Ioja, Public Administrator of the Suceava County Council, presented a detailed overview of road and airport infrastructure projects aimed at the strategic connection of Suceava County with the rest of Moldova, Transylvania, and Romania’s northern border with Ukraine.
Regional Connectivity: Strategic Projects towards Bistrița, Harghita, and Mureș
Cezar Ioja opened his intervention with an analysis of the Dornei area, emphasizing its role as an essential transit point between Moldova and Transylvania. In this context, he highlighted the importance of the Panaci–Bilbor road, financed through the National Local Development Program, currently at an estimated physical execution stage of approximately 40%, with a completion deadline set for 2026.
“This road would reduce the distance to Bucharest by 100 kilometers and open a direct road corridor to Harghita County.”
Another targeted project is the Coșna–Teșna–Grădinița road, which could provide an additional connection to Bistrița-Năsăud County. However, works have been temporarily suspended at the Suceava County border due to lack of proper action by the Bistrița administration.
“Currently, the road ends in the forestry area, without continuity into the neighboring county. We have decided to temporarily suspend the works, awaiting a coordinated approach from our colleagues in Bistrița-Năsăud.”
Opening towards Ukraine: Modernization of Border Crossing Points and Connection to the National Network
Regarding cross-border relations with Ukraine, Cezar Ioja highlighted the three border crossing points in Suceava County: Ulma–Ruska, Izvoarele Sucevei–Șepit, and Vicovu de Sus–Krasnoilsk. These are key elements for strengthening cooperation and mobility in Romania’s northern region.
“On the Romanian side, modernization works are completed or in advanced stages. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian side is facing difficulties delaying the full completion of the connecting infrastructure.”
Additionally, the partnership with the National Company for Road Infrastructure Administration (CNAIR) was highlighted for developing a fast connection between Vicovu de Sus and the future A7 Motorway. This project is essential for integrating Suceava County into the national transport network and for capitalizing on the strategic border point at Siret, directly impacting mobility and commercial flows in the cross-border area.
Intra-regional Links: Major Connectivity Projects with Neamț, Iași, and Mureș
During his speech, Cezar Ioja also emphasized road infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening intra-regional links, with the counties of Neamț, Iași, and Mureș, essential components of integrated development in the North-East Region.
One example is the road connecting the Moldova Valley with the Bistrița Valley, near the border with Neamț County.
“We have a 16-kilometer section almost completed, with the reception of works scheduled in the next two weeks.”
This will be followed by a large-scale project, financed through the North-East Regional Development Agency, worth 85 million euros, which will ensure road continuity between Mălini, Fălticeni, Cornu Luncii, Horodniceni, Slatina, and Vadul Moldovei.
Another strategic project mentioned was the Iași–Suceava axial road, linking the two administrative capitals of the region. The section on Suceava County’s territory, measuring 75 km, has already been rehabilitated, with final reception of works expected within no more than 10 days.
Suceava–Botoșani: An Emerging Regional Development Pole
A key point of the intervention was the strategic partnership between Suceava and Botoșani counties, focusing on the realization of the Suceava–Botoșani express road, a project with a major impact on mobility and economic cohesion in northern Moldova.
According to Cezar Ioja, the project is currently in the stage of feasibility study and technical project elaboration, with a progress rate of approximately 80%.
“This road is not only a road connectivity element but a vector for the economic reconfiguration of the entire region. The positioning of Suceava International Airport at the center of this corridor, only 15–20 minutes from Botoșani, strengthens its function as a regional hub for passenger and freight transport.”
“Ștefan cel Mare” Airport – Strategic Investments for Regional Development
The public administrator detailed the strategic vision regarding the development of “Ștefan cel Mare” Suceava International Airport, which, with a traffic of 756,000 passengers in 2024, ranks 5th nationwide. This objective reflects a firm commitment to strengthening the airport’s position as an important transport node and an engine of regional economic growth.
Announced strategic projects:
- Implementation of the ILS category III system, allowing landings under low visibility conditions, a technology available in Romania only at Otopeni Airport;
- Construction of Terminal 3, with a surface area of 10,000 sqm, which will replace the current 3,300 sqm terminal;
- Development of a cargo terminal and establishment of a free economic zone on the current industrial park site.
“With a combined population of over one million inhabitants in Suceava and Botoșani counties, the airport’s development represents an essential opportunity for connectivity, job creation, and investment attraction throughout the region.”
He also mentioned that, although funding for Terminal 3 is not yet secured, the County Council is prepared to support the investment from its own resources, benefiting from a 42 million lei saving in the budget execution for the first half of this year.
“We are determined to carry out this strategic investment, even if we have to support it from our own funds. We have a responsibility towards the citizens of the region – Suceava, Botoșani, Neamț, and even Ukraine – to modernize the airport infrastructure.”
Conclusions:
The firm commitment of the Suceava county administration to boost regional development materializes through priority investments in infrastructure. Prioritizing road connectivity, modernizing border crossing points, and developing airport infrastructure outlines an integrated vision designed to increase the area’s competitiveness and facilitate the mobility of people and goods.
By implementing concrete projects, financed or in advanced stages of execution, Suceava County strengthens its strategic position in the Moldova region and its role as an essential link between Romania, Transylvania, and Ukraine. This pragmatic and coherent approach creates the premises for sustainable development, reducing economic disparities, and creating an attractive environment for investment and economic growth.
