Ion Ștefanovici spoke in an interview given to journalist Mihai Chira from News Bucovina about the objectives of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024

Mihai Chira had as guests Ion Ștefanovici, the president of CAPDR, and Cezar Grozavu, the director of BRCT. The topic discussed was the Regional Economic Forum Moldova, scheduled to take place from July 4th to July 6th in Vatra Dornei

This forum will bring together various personalities from the public and private sectors, including representatives of governments and businesses from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine. The main purpose is to discuss and plan strategies for the economic development of Moldova until 2030.

Participants and Objectives

The forum will gather approximately 200 participants, including decision-makers from the public sector (including ministries and government agencies) and the private sector. Representatives from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine will be present, and topics such as:

• Government and European investments.
• Regional and cross-border collaborations
• Long-term economic development strategies.

Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR, explains: “It can be considered a starting point for the modernization of the private sector. But primarily, the keyword is investments.”

Investments and Infrastructure

One of the main points on the forum’s agenda will be attracting investments. These include government and European funds, with a focus on infrastructure development. The A7 motorway, which will connect Suceava to Bucharest and the port of Constanța, is a major project that will be discussed. This motorway is seen as a key driver for the economic development of the region, facilitating transportation and trade.

Ion Ștefanovici emphasizes: “The focus will be on the A7, the motorway that will connect our Moldova region up to Siret, and we aim to map it in terms of opportunities at strategic unloading nodes on the logistical side.”

Cross-Border Cooperation

The forum will place special emphasis on cross-border cooperation with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. In the context of these countries’ European integration, discussions will include:

• Partnerships and commercial collaborations.
• Transfer of best practices.
• Strategies for socio-economic development of the region.

“The dimensions of this forum are not just county-level for Suceava County. They are regional, but with an extension into the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,” stated Ion Ștefanovici.

Role of Suceava

Suceava and Moldova are seen as having the potential to become a significant economic center in Eastern Europe, akin to Germany’s role in the European Union. The forum will explore ways in which the region can capitalize on this potential, including attracting investments and developing infrastructure.

“Perhaps we will discuss more in the future; we very much desire accelerated development, conceived in a regional format. When I say regional, I refer to the Northeast ADR, the regional development agency for the northeast,” says Ion Ștefanovici.

Regional Importance

Regional collaboration is crucial for the success of this project. Regional development agencies and cross-border cooperation offices play a crucial role. For example, Suceava focuses on cooperation with Ukraine, while Iași deals with relations with the Republic of Moldova. This specialization allows for a more efficient approach to the specific issues and projects of each region.

Ion Ștefanovici mentions: “We are here, right? Here is Iași. They deal with Moldova, we deal with the Chernivtsi area, Ukraine, the northern part of our country.”

Plans for the Future

In the current geopolitical context, including the war in Ukraine, it is important for the region to be prepared for potential post-conflict reconstruction. The forum will also address these aspects, discussing potential strategies for economic development and reconfiguration. Romania, and especially Suceava, has made considerable efforts in recent years to support Ukraine, and this forum will explore ways to continue and expand these efforts.

Ion Ștefanovici asserts: “Perhaps today it’s a distant thought, but at some point it will become reality. You see? And in the immediate future, negotiations for peace will resume, but in proximity. One never knows what will happen, but we must be prepared.”

European Integration

Cezar Grozavu, director of the Regional Bureau for Cross-Border Cooperation BRCT Suceava, emphasized the importance of Suceava and Moldova in the European integration process of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This process will bring significant benefits to all parties involved, including economic and social development.

“We are trying to be the bridge between east and west because, if you look closely, with the opening of negotiation chapters for Ukraine-Moldova-Georgia, things are dramatically changing in this area of Europe,” says Cezar Grozavu.

Regional Cooperation

Grozavu also mentioned the importance of regional cooperation and the transfer of best practices between different regions of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as Romania’s role in this process.

“I return to the idea of the European integration of the two states where Romania can play an extremely important role through the development of partnerships, commercial exchanges, and the transfer of good practices,” Cezar Grozavu affirmed.

Participants from Ukraine

Approximately 30 individuals from Ukraine representing various regional development agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations will participate in the forum. This underscores the commitment to cross-border cooperation and regional development.

“We are equally speaking, based on the same law, about cross-border cooperation offices, each of which deals with a border. We deal with the border with Ukraine, our colleagues in Iași-Moldova,” Grozavu explained.

Conclusion

The economic forum in Vatra Dornei represents a strategic step towards economic development and the consolidation of regional cooperation in Moldova and with its eastern neighbors. The event will not only bring together important decision-makers but also facilitate crucial discussions for the economic future of the region. Suceava and Moldova have the opportunity to become vital economic hubs in Eastern Europe, and this forum is an important step in the right direction.

Cezar Grozavu concludes: “This forum organized by the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning manages to bring together various relevant actors who contribute, on the one hand, to the socio-economic development of our region, Moldova, the northeast development region, but, on the other hand, and here is our contribution, to transfer good expertise, to make collaborations, to establish partnerships with actors from Moldova and Ukraine.”