FERM 2024 | Message from the Mayor of Gangura Commune, Ialoveni District, Marcel Bobeica

After the conclusion of the 18th edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, organized from July 4 – 6, 2024 in Vatra Dornei, the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning (CAPDR) initiated a feedback collection process from the participants, aimed at assessing the impact and usefulness of the event.

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

The first question focuses on the general assessment of the usefulness of participating in the 2024 Moldova Regional Economic Forum, asking participants to describe the new information or relationships acquired and explain how they plan to apply these 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 focuses 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, CAPDR aims to improve the quality and relevance of the support provided at future editions of the Forum.

In the context of the decision to hold all future editions of the Forum exclusively in Vatra Dornei, under the name “Moldova Regional Economic Forum from Vatra Dornei”, participants were also asked if they are interested in attending the 19th edition in 2025 and what suggestions they have for improving the event. This question seeks to engage participants in the planning and optimization process of the Forum, ensuring active participation and increased relevance of the event.

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

Mayor of GANGURA Commune, IALOVENI District, Marcel BOBEICA

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

The Moldova Regional Economic Forum, organized on July 4-6, 2024, in Vatra Dornei, was a major event for local public authorities from Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, as well as for the business environment in these countries. The forum facilitated a valuable exchange of best practices and experiences between local public authorities and guests from the European Union, with a focus on investment projects.

In addition, partnerships between public institutions and the business environment were addressed, as well as development programs managed by development agencies. During the discussions, the challenges faced by local public authorities and their main needs were highlighted. Common goals and directions were also established for these authorities. This forum is of particular importance for local public authorities from Moldova and Ukraine in the context of European Union accession, and the support provided by Romania is essential.

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

Local Public Authorities from the Republic of Moldova expect full support from their Romanian brothers in the context of European Union accession. In this sense, it would be beneficial for the Forum organizers to continue the exchange of experience between local public authorities from Romania and Moldova, focusing on attracting investment projects, infrastructure development, and promoting tourism.

It would be especially useful for this exchange of best practices to include field visits to localities in Romania to observe completed investment projects. Another supportive measure would be organizing workshops for representatives of local public authorities from Moldova, Romania, and Ukraine, focused on drafting investment projects funded by European funds. Additionally, it would be desirable to expand the geographical area for cross-border projects to increase the number of applicants and collaboration opportunities.

Are you interested in participating in the 19th edition in 2025, and what suggestions do you have for improving the event?

I am extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to participate this year in the Moldova Regional Economic Forum in Vatra Dornei. I also express my interest in taking part in the 2025 edition of this forum, which is essential for Moldova’s European journey and for the development of local communities. I believe it would be beneficial to organize working visits to more town halls and explore various investment objectives to maximize the impact and exchange of best practices.