FERM 2024 | Message from CALM Vice President, Vladislav COCIU

Panel: „INVESTMENTS”

Module IV, Cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova through the Moldova Region, 18th Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024

SPEAKER – Vladislav COCIU, Vice President of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova (CALM) and Mayor of Ștefan Vodă, Republic of Moldova

TOPIC: „Positive experiences, opportunities, and current challenges in attracting investments to the Republic of Moldova”

At the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024 held in Vatra Dornei, Vladislav Cociu, Vice President of CALM and Mayor of Ștefan Vodă, highlighted the importance of economic development and regional cooperation. His speech emphasized numerous essential aspects for the progress of local communities, focusing on the need to pursue common directions and strengthen ties with neighboring countries, particularly Romania and Ukraine.

The importance of cross-border cooperation

„When we talk about strengthening society to economically develop the countries we represent, it is very important to harmonize with this global geopolitical concept and follow common directions”, stated Vladislav Cociu. The Vice President of CALM highlighted the joint efforts between Moldova and Ukraine since 1991, when a “common cord” was created to stimulate economic development and regional cooperation.

Local economic development: An example from Ștefan Vodă

The Mayor of Ștefan Vodă presented the city as a model for local economic development, highlighting investments in agriculture and job creation. „Despite the war, we managed to attract investment not only in social projects but also in economic projects. It was essentially an agricultural products factory with a hundred employees”, said the official, emphasizing the importance of these investments for the well-being of the citizens.

Creating a common euroregion

Another central point of the speech was the proposal to create a common euroregion that includes Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania. „Things are going very well and we propose to create a common euroregion. It is at an initial level, but we will continue on this path”, proposed Vladislav Cociu, highlighting the importance of continuing collaboration among the three countries.

The need for decentralization and increased cooperation with ADR

Cociu also highlighted the need for financial and economic decentralization for local administrations in the Republic of Moldova. „We need to focus more on financial and economic decentralization. We must emphasize increasing cooperation with ADR”, said Cociu. Additionally, the Mayor of Ștefan Vodă mentioned challenges related to public procurement laws and requested greater assistance from Romania in implementing cross-border projects.

A look into the future

„I want to thank you, especially for implementing cross-border projects. It involves assistance, expertise, and writing these projects, up to ensuring their sustainability by the state”, said Mayor Vladislav Cociu, highlighting the openness and willingness of the local administration to learn and collaborate to follow Romania’s development model.

Vladislav Cociu’s speech was a compelling advocacy for regional cooperation and local economic development, emphasizing that through joint efforts and a unified vision, local communities can achieve the desired prosperity and stability. The Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2024 thus served as an ideal platform to reaffirm commitments and discuss future development directions.