Ion ȘTEFANOVICI: “Along its route, which crosses the counties of Buzău, Vrancea, Bacău, Neamț, Iași, and Suceava, the A7 will transform the localities into true economic and logistical centers”

A7 Highway, known as the Highway of Moldova, is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Romania, with the potential to redefine the entire economic dynamics of the Moldova Region

The construction of this highway will directly connect the historical region of Moldova with the rest of the country and with the main European corridors, facilitating quick access to national and international markets.

Along its route, which crosses the counties of Buzău, Vrancea, Bacău, Neamț, Iași, and Suceava, A7 will transform localities into true economic and logistics centers. In this interview, we discuss the economic and investment impact of this major project, how it will stimulate the growth of local businesses, and how the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR) plays a crucial role in maximizing these opportunities through Economic Mapping and supporting local authorities.

With the president of C.A.P.D.R., Ion Stefanovici, we will analyze the economic opportunities generated by this vital infrastructure, local collaborations, the role of the future MoldovaHUB, and the long-term impact on the development of the Moldova region.

1. General Context and Importance of the A7 Highway

How do you believe the A7 Highway will change the economic dynamics of the Moldova region?

The A7 Highway is an essential catalyst for the development of the Moldova region. By connecting the region with major European corridors, it will enhance economic attractiveness, facilitating quick access to national and international markets. This will stimulate investments in logistics, production, tourism, and other sectors, making Moldova an important economic hub.

What impact do you foresee on the connectivity between the historical regions of Romania and the rest of the country?

The A7 will provide a fast link between Moldova and the southern and western regions, thereby connecting Moldova more closely with the rest of the country. This connectivity will reduce transportation time, costs, and facilitate trade exchanges, contributing to balanced economic development.

2. The Role of A7 Highway in the Development of the Counties It Crosses

How do you see the transformation of Bacău County with the connection of Filipești, Săucești, and Nicolae Bălcescu localities to the national transport network?

The localities of Filipești, Săucești, and Nicolae Bălcescu will become strategic economic nodes. Increased connectivity will attract investments in sectors such as production and logistics, providing opportunities for the development of local businesses and the creation of jobs. Additionally, access to national markets will be facilitated.

In Neamț County, how do you think the localities of Săbăoani, Cordun, and Dulcești will benefit from the modernized infrastructure?

Săbăoani, Cordun, and Dulcești will become transport and logistics centers with improved access to national freight networks. This will encourage local investments and contribute to the region’s economic competitiveness.

What economic development opportunities do you anticipate in Iași County, particularly in the municipality of Pașcani and in the communes of Tătăruși and Valea Seacă, with the completion of the highway?

The municipality of Pașcani, as well as the communes of Tătăruși and Valea Seacă, will become more accessible, which will enhance their tourism potential and attract investments in the local industry and services. The A7 Highway will facilitate the development of local businesses through direct access to national and international markets.

In Suceava County, what immediate effects do you anticipate on the local economy, especially for the localities of Dolhasca, Liteni, and Suceava?

In Suceava County, the localities of Dolhasca, Liteni, and Suceava will become key points for the development of logistics and freight transport. These will attract new investments and create jobs, stimulating the local and regional economy.

3. The Role of C.A.P.D.R. in Economic Mapping

Could you elaborate on the main conclusions resulting from the discussions of C.A.P.D.R. with the municipalities along the highway?

Following discussions with the municipalities along the route, C.A.P.D.R. identified major opportunities for economic development for each locality. Each municipality highlighted the need for additional infrastructure to leverage economic potential, and our collaboration aims to support these localities in attracting investments and developing logistics.

What are the main economic opportunities identified by C.A.P.D.R. along the A7 route?

We have identified opportunities in sectors such as logistics, light industry, agriculture, tourism, and services. Localities along the A7 route can become regional economic centers, and attracting strategic investors is our priority.

4. Collaboration with Local Administrations

How are local authorities involved in leveraging this infrastructure?

Local authorities work closely with C.A.P.D.R. to create long-term development strategies. They prepare local infrastructure projects, such as industrial parks or logistics zones, and are actively involved in attracting investors.

What are the main challenges encountered in collaboration with municipalities, and how do you address them?

One of the main challenges is the limited capacity of municipalities to access European and national funds. C.A.P.D.R. provides consultancy in attracting financing and support in developing necessary projects to maximize the highway’s infrastructure.

5. MoldovaHUB and Regional Economic Development

How will MoldovaHUB support the integration of localities in the region into the European economic network?

MoldovaHUB will function as a catalyst for the region’s economic development, providing a framework for collaboration between local authorities and international investors. By promoting innovation and regional cooperation, MoldovaHUB will facilitate Moldova’s integration into the European economic circuit.

6. Investment Opportunities and Local Impact

In what way do you believe the A7 Highway will stimulate the development of logistics and transport in the region?

The A7 will create new fast and efficient logistics routes, reducing transportation costs and time. This will make Moldova more attractive to companies in the logistics sector, and localities along the route will become important logistics hubs.

7. Future Perspectives and Conclusions

How do you think the Moldova region will transform in the next 10 years, considering the infrastructure development through the A7 Highway?

In the next 10 years, Moldova will transform into a modern economic center, with competitive transport infrastructure at the European level. The A7 Highway will stimulate sustainable economic growth, and the region will become a point of attraction for international investments and a reference logistics hub in Romania.