FERM 2024 | Message from the expert at the Sectoral Specialization Office of North-East RDA, Claudiu MITREA

Panel “INVESTMENTS”

Module II – Development of Moldova through the A7 Motorway, 18th Edition of the

Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024

SPEAKER – Claudiu MITREA – ADR NE

TOPIC: “Positioning and Collaboration for Attracting FDI to North-Eastern Romania”

Claudiu Mitrea, the representative of the North-East Regional Development Agency (ADR NE) in the field of attracting foreign direct investments to the Moldova Region, highlighted the importance of the role the agency plays in connecting the region with European opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurship.

“We have had an office in Brussels since 2010, with experts and coordinators who seek to find firsthand information, aim to be involved in the most important networks, and bring to the region the information, opportunities, and partnerships we need”, Mitrea emphasized. This office serves as a crucial link between regional needs and European resources, facilitating essential collaborations and partnerships for the region’s development.

Local and international connections

One of ADR NE’s priorities is to maintain close ties with various local institutions, including county councils, municipalities, universities, and research centers. “We try to create those connections between regional needs and European opportunities”, explained the representative of the North-East Regional Development Agency. This network of local and international partnerships is vital for the sustainable development of the region and for leveraging available resources.

Rubik Hub: innovation and entrepreneurship

Mitrea also highlighted the role of Rubik Hub, one of the most innovative hubs in the region, in promoting and supporting entrepreneurship. “We encourage entrepreneurship, have programs dedicated to Romanian entrepreneurs, where we take brave entrepreneurs by the hand and help them grow”, Mitrea stated. This hub provides a supportive environment for the development of innovative ideas and the growth of local businesses.

Participation in european networks

ADR NE is also active in various European networks, such as Elias and Eurada, where the agency contributes to discussions and major initiatives. “We can say that we sit at the table of the wealthy and always have a say”, Claudiu Mitrea highlighted, emphasizing the agency’s active involvement in international projects and collaboration with local entrepreneurs to create positive changes.

Enterprise Europe Network and Territoria Platform

ADR NE is also part of the Enterprise Europe Network, a virtual fair that facilitates collaboration between entrepreneurs across Europe. “It’s a kind of virtual fair where entrepreneurs from all over Europe want to work together,” Mitrea explained, providing an example of collaboration between a Spanish entrepreneur and local partners for the development of a grape-based product.

In addition, the agency is working on developing the Territoria platform, a brokerage platform that connects demand and supply in the field of research and innovation. “We have mapped everything related to universities, research centers, this technological aspect, and innovative SMEs,” Claudiu Mitrea mentioned, emphasizing the importance of this platform for identifying solutions and funding sources for regional projects.

ADR NE: A regional information hub

In conclusion, Claudiu Mitrea reaffirmed ADR NE’s commitment to being a regional information hub and a catalyst for collaboration among all involved actors: “ADR NE wants to be a regional information hub, that linking element that brings together all invited actors”. The agency is committed to being a constant support for local entrepreneurs, offering support and development opportunities.