Investment and export opportunities for Moldovan products discussed at a forum in Chisinau
Identifying investment opportunities in the agri food sector and increasing exports of Moldovan products to the European market are the main goals of the Agri Food Investment Forum held on March 5 in Chisinau as part of the Republic of Moldova Agri Food Partnership Platform.
Forum participants, including government officials, agriculture ministers from European Union member states, representatives of financial institutions, investors, and farmers’ organizations, also discussed the challenges facing agriculture, including climate change, the need to modernize technologies, and farmers’ access to financing.
Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, stressed that the development of the agri food sector depends largely on sustainable investment and the involvement of all actors: farmers, investors, and authorities.
“Yes, we import more than we export, but there is room to grow. Our message is simple. We must work together to implement policies with minimal risk and cost, especially for the private sector. If we fail to act together, we will not carry out bold reforms. According to our calculations, reforms could generate savings of five billion lei annually for the private sector,” Osmochescu said.
Plenary sessions focused on the strategic priorities of the agri food sector in the context of Moldova’s accession process to the European Union, as well as investment opportunities for agricultural development. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga also addressed this topic.
“We have reached a more advanced stage in food safety and quality and can demonstrate this on the main European Union market as well as on other international markets with very high quality standards. At the same time, we pay close attention to the resilience of the agri food sector in the context of climate change, which increasingly affects agriculture in our region,” Catlabuga said.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a strategic partner supporting Moldova in modernizing the agri food sector, from strengthening institutions to building technical capacity and facilitating dialogue with authorities.
Raimund Jehle, the FAO representative in the Republic of Moldova, said the organization promotes modern and sustainable practices.
“Despite climate and economic challenges, the country has already attracted more than 400 million in foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector in 2024. This confirms growing interest,” Jehle noted.
Throughout the day, thematic sessions bring together experts and representatives of the public and private sectors to discuss investment in modern production technologies, storage and post harvest infrastructure, development of a sustainable livestock sector, and strengthening the competitiveness of the wine industry.
