Japanese Experts Support Moldovan Railways in Identifying New Export Routes and International Expansion

A group of 12 experts from Japan has launched an extensive collaboration with Moldovan Railways (CFM) to develop a strategic study aimed at identifying new export routes and opportunities for regional and international expansion of the national railway operator.

According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development (MIDR), this initiative is part of efforts to strengthen CFM’s operational capacity and accelerate the integration of the Republic of Moldova into European and international logistics networks. The study is scheduled to be completed by February 2026 and will provide a technical foundation for investment and development decisions.

Strengthening CFM’s role in the national economy

Rail transport plays a vital role in Moldova’s economy, both by connecting local producers to external markets and by influencing regional trade flows. In the current context, marked by geopolitical changes and the reconfiguration of European transport corridors, CFM is seeking to redefine its development strategy.

“The involvement of Japanese experts is an opportunity to bring international know-how into CFM’s logistics planning. We aim to identify the most advantageous routes for Moldovan exports and to find solutions for integrating our railway network into pan-European corridors,” stated Mircea Păscăluță, State Secretary for Transport, during the meeting with the Japanese delegation at CFM headquarters.

Impact on exports and regional logistics

The new strategy will address key aspects such as:

• Diversification of export routes, reducing dependency on certain transit points;

• Improving regional connectivity, with a focus on links to seaports and major European logistics hubs;

• Optimizing transport flows to reduce logistics costs and enhance the competitiveness of Moldovan exporters;

• Attracting investment in railway infrastructure modernization, with international support.

International dimension of the project

Technical assistance from Japan marks a new stage in Moldova’s international cooperation in the transport sector. Japanese experts will assess CFM’s potential for expansion into external markets, including connections to logistics networks in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as exploring routes facilitating trade with Asia and the Middle East.

“The study goes beyond existing infrastructure and envisions a long-term strategy for transforming CFM into a competitive player on the regional transport market. This cooperation will help reposition Moldova on the map of international corridors,” Păscăluță emphasized.

Outlook

The completion of the study by February 2026 will provide the government and CFM with a clear action plan for attracting investments, building partnerships, and modernizing the railway network. In a context where sustainable transport and regional interconnection are becoming European priorities, the project has the potential to generate significant economic benefits for the Republic of Moldova.