Tofan highlights strong Moldova–Romania partnership
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Vasile Tofan, is optimistic about building a "most productive" relationship with Romania. He asserts that the development of joint projects and the enhancement of bilateral trade will benefit both nations. The Prime Minister dismissed the perception of Moldova as a country with an "outstretched hand" and emphasized that Moldova can serve as a bridge for Romanian investments and businesses to access eastern markets, particularly in the context of Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.
Romania benefits from its relationship with the Republic of Moldova
During an interview with Romanian Television while visiting Bucharest, Vasile Tofan highlighted that bilateral trade between Romania and the Republic of Moldova amounts to approximately 4 billion euros, with Romanian exports surpassing those of Moldova.
"For Romania, Moldova is a very important market, and I believe that strengthening this infrastructure is beneficial for both Romanian citizens and taxpayers," stated the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.
When asked about the extent of Moldova's dependence on Romania for its economic stability, Vasile Tofan emphasized that Romania is a strategic partner and one of the most significant investors in Moldova. He pointed out that capital flows are primarily from Moldova to Romania, mentioning that around 1,700 Romanian companies have invested in the left bank of the Prut, while about 7,000 Moldovan companies have investments in Romania.
"We would like to rebalance this situation a bit. As an export market, Romania accounts for nearly 30% of our exports. However, at this stage, we are importing more from Romania than we are exporting. Romania is also a crucial partner in our journey toward European integration. We would not be where we are today without Romania's support, and we are grateful to the Romanian people," noted the Moldovan Prime Minister.
Stopping direct aid would be a mistake
Vasile Tofan addressed the positions of some politicians in Bucharest who suggest that direct aid to the Republic of Moldova should be halted and redirected solely toward investment support. He stated that such a decision would be a mistake and would also disadvantage Romania.
Tofan noted that Romania's direct financial support, totaling 100 million euros, is disbursed in several installments, with a significant portion allocated to joint projects with Moldova, including investments and infrastructure initiatives.
"I believe that this relationship is beneficial for both countries. I also think that the metaphor of Moldova with an outstretched hand is not accurate. On the contrary, I see Moldova as a bridge for Romanian businesses, especially in accessing eastern markets," declared the Head of the Executive.
The Republic of Moldova: A bridge to Ukraine
Vasile Tofan highlighted that Ukraine's reconstruction, estimated to cost up to 750 billion euros, could become the largest project of its kind in Europe since the Marshall Plan. In this context, he emphasized that the Republic of Moldova can serve as a bridge for Romanian companies looking to get involved in this process, thanks to its linguistic and cultural ties, as well as its strategic regional position.
"We see many opportunities for Romanian businesses. Moldova, in fact, is a great asset for Romania," Tofan stated modestly.
He encouraged Romanian companies interested in the Ukrainian market to establish offices in Chișinău, Bălți, or Cahul, asserting that "they will find people there who can facilitate this bridge to Ukraine."
"The easiest way to explore opportunities in Moldova is to get a ticket and come to Chișinău. There are three flights a day, and I must admit, as a Moldovan Romanian, it saddens me that many Romanians have visited Barcelona, London, Paris, and Munich, but not Chișinău. Come to Chișinău and see what it has to offer. I am confident you will be excited about the opportunities available, and if you take this first step, I believe many other steps will follow," the Prime Minister said.
Chisinau prepares to launch the Vulcănești–Chisinau line on August 27
During a recent infrastructure meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted Chisinau's commitment to developing "energy bridges." He mentioned the Vulcănești–Chisinau and Bălți–Suceava lines, along with other interconnections. These projects are seen as beneficial not only for Romania but also for facilitating energy exports to Ukraine, which is currently facing a significant electricity deficit.
Referring to the Vulcănești–Chisinau line, which Chisinau describes as "an independence line," Vasile Tofan stated that testing is currently ongoing. The authorities aim to put this line into operation on Independence Day.
"We are working against the clock to meet our deadlines. The launch is planned for the end of August, on August 27, and it will happen very soon," Tofan declared.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan made his first foreign visit to Bucharest on Thursday, July 30, just a week after taking office on July 22. During his visit, he held meetings with interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, President Nicușor Dan, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Sorin Grindeanu, and the President of the Romanian Senate, Mircea Abrudean.
