Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, President of CAPDR, at FERM 2025: “We need forums where the development map hasn’t reached yet”

The 19th edition of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova, held in Vatra Dornei, brought cross-border cooperation into focus as a strategic pillar for the region’s sustainable development.

In an interview with Nord News, Ion Ștefanovici, president of the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR), detailed the real impact of this edition on Romania–Republic of Moldova bilateral relations and highlighted the significant involvement of delegations from across the Prut.

Record presence from the Republic of Moldova: “From 35 to nearly 180 participants”

Ion Ștefanovici emphasized the exponential growth in participation from the Republic of Moldova.

“We started modestly, in 2023, with a delegation of 35–45 people. In 2024, I believe it was 70–80, and now we’re at almost 180 participants. It’s not just a number, it’s a map of trust and openness.”

He mentioned the participation of cities such as Bălți, Soroca, Chișinău, Ștefan Vodă, Feștelița, Taraclia, and even representatives from the Gagauzia region. Beyond geographical diversity, the forum brought together participants from all fields.

“Some of them contributed to the agriculture panels, others in culture, tourism, infrastructure, or the economy – including trade.”

The CAPDR president also highlighted the involvement of Ambassador Victor Chirilă and the strategic energy dialogues, especially regarding the Suceava–Bălți Northern Energy Corridor and investment in production and distribution.

“It’s an example of the maturity of our collaboration – not just on paper, but through clear projects.”

Bilateral relations strengthened through concrete projects and initiatives

Asked how the forum contributes to strengthening bilateral relations, the CAPDR leader was clear.

“Through joint projects. Through a digital tourism platform for the entire Moldova. Through a joint route ‘Via Moldavia’ – from the Carpathians, to the Dniester, to the Bugeac area, near Odesa.”

In addition to tourism, the forum encourages cross-border cooperation in economy, healthcare, and EU funds.

“For years we’ve been transferring experience from Romania to the Republic of Moldova. Even though it’s a pre-accession stage and the €1.9 billion are conditional, we trust that concrete projects will make the difference.”

Among the discussed projects were the free economic zone in Ungheni, healthcare collaborations between doctors and medical staff from both countries, and cultural initiatives that promote shared identity.

Where forums are needed: “Not in Chișinău, but in Bălți, Soroca, Cahul…”

Regarding the possibility of organizing a similar forum in the Republic of Moldova, Ion Ștefanovici was firm.

“Chișinău already has forums. But what about Bălți? Soroca? Cahul? We need to go where the development map hasn’t yet reached.”

He called for organizing forums in areas in need of capital infusion, know-how, and access to international markets, so that development policies do not only benefit capitals.

From discussion to strategy: a programmatic document for 2025–2030

Asked whether FERM is a solutions forum or just a discussion space, the CAPDR president gave a firm response.

“It’s not a symposium. It’s a forum of real partnerships. It works on two levels: targeted meetings between demand and supply, and the development of a joint strategic document.”

This document, he stated, will be “the joint agenda for the Moldova region for 2025–2030” and will enable progress monitoring through annual reports and strategy adjustments.

“Practically, everything discussed here takes shape in a multi-annual regional development plan.”

Ion Ștefanovici concluded with a plea for continuity and involvement.

“FERM is not just a ceremonial gathering. It is a working tool that brings together administrations, entrepreneurs, and communities. That’s why we will return and persist, until all regions are connected to this dynamic.”

Conclusion: A relationship infrastructure for development

The statements of Ion Ștefanovici revealed a simple but essential truth: development does not come from top-down policies, but from real relationships built between people, institutions, and communities. The forum in Vatra Dornei is not just a stage for declarations, but a space for interconnection – between demand and supply, problems and solutions, initiative and funding.

Through his call for proper mapping of local needs, professional cross-border relations, and a functional public-private partnership, the CAPDR leader advocated for a new logic of cooperation: one based on knowledge, coherence, and mutual commitment.

For Moldova, this type of forum is no longer optional – it is a necessity. And the CAPDR president’s message remains clear: either we strengthen the regional network of intelligent cooperation, or we remain trapped in the outdated map of underdevelopment.