FERM 2024 | Message from the President of the Ungheni District Council, Corina SLUPEȚCAIA

After the completion of the XVIII edition of theMoldova Regional Economic Forum, held from July 4-6, 2024, in Vatra Dornei, the Center for Analysis and Regional Development Planning (CAPDR) initiated a process to collect feedback from participants to evaluate the event’s impact and utility.

In this regard, a set of three essential questions was formulated to provide a clear perspective on the benefits obtained by participants and to identify their needs for future editions of the Forum.

The first question focuses on the overall assessment of the utility of participating in the Moldova Regional Economic Forum 2024, asking participants to describe the new information or relationships acquired and to explain how these will be applied in the development of the communities they represent. This reflects the organizers’ interest in understanding the direct impact of the event on regional development and local initiatives.

The second question concentrates on identifying the type of support or resources that participants would consider useful from the organizers to support their regional development efforts. Through this question, the CAPDR aims to improve the quality and relevance of the support offered in future editions of the Forum.

In light of the decision to organize all future editions of the Forum exclusively in Vatra Dornei, under the name “Moldova Regional Economic Forum in Vatra Dornei”, participants were also asked whether they are interested in participating in the XIX edition, scheduled for 2025, and what suggestions they have for improving the event. This question seeks to involve participants in the planning and optimization process of the Forum, thus ensuring active participation and increased relevance of the event.

These questions reflect the CAPDR’s effort to align the Moldova Regional Economic Forum with long-term strategic objectives in the context of regional development and European integration, with a reference horizon set for 2030.

President of the Ungheni District Council Corina SLUPEȚCAIA

What do you consider the utility of your participation in the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024? What new information or relationships have you gained, and how do you intend to apply them in the development of the community you represent?

I was honored to participate in the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024. The event provided valuable opportunities for learning and networking, allowing me to acquire information about attracting foreign investments and strategies for developing foreign trade, key points for sustainable regional development. I was pleasantly surprised by the initiatives presented to support the local business environment and the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

My plan is to apply this information by developing local partnerships to promote investments and support educational and vocational training initiatives, thus contributing to economic development and improving the quality of life in the Moldova region.

What type of support or resources would you like to receive from the Forum organizers to support your regional development efforts?

To support our regional development efforts, we would be grateful to receive the following types of support and resources from the Forum organizers:

• Consultation: Access to experts who can help us develop and implement regional development projects.
• Partnerships: Facilitation of access to networks of international partners interested in investment in our region.
• Continuing Education: Training programs for local leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth, to develop necessary skills for economic growth.
• Access to Funding: Information and support for accessing various available funding sources.

Are you interested in participating in the XIX edition in 2025, and what suggestions do you have for improving the event?

I would be grateful to participate in the XIX edition of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova from Vatra Dornei in 2025, as this event is a source of knowledge, information, and new experiences for participants, where we gain motivation, inspiration, and the necessary levers to progress and develop our region. To improve the event, I propose the following:

• Additional Themes: Inclusion of new topics, such as digitization and sustainability.
• Practical Workshops: Organizing workshops where participants can work directly with experts on specific topics.
• Presence of Local Start-ups: Inviting local start-ups to present their innovations, solutions, and experiences they have encountered.

I believe that these suggestions would add value to the participants and improve the Forum’s efficiency in achieving its objectives.