Suceava
Ion Ștefanovici, President of CAPDR: “The Moldova Region Must Be Viewed as an Integrated Infrastructure System”
The development of road infrastructure in the Moldova region is at the center of public and political debates, having a direct impact on the area’s economic outlook
During a recent broadcast on the regional channel Antena 3 Suceava, Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning (CAPDR), together with Ioan Cristian Șologon, State Secretary within the Ministry of Transport, discussed in detail the status and prospects of the A7 motorway project, as well as the need for a unified vision for infrastructure development across the entire Moldova region.
This discussion comes in a context where the Moldova region, one of the largest and most promising areas in the country, continues to face challenges related to connectivity and access to main transport networks. The modernization and expansion of road infrastructure are essential elements for supporting economic growth, attracting investment, and reducing regional disparities.
In this context, the A7 motorway takes on major strategic importance, being seen as the backbone of the transport network in Moldova, interconnecting the counties of Suceava, Botoșani, Iași and further, toward border points and European transport corridors.
A7 Motorway – Engine of Regional Economic Development
State Secretary Ioan Cristian Șologon confirmed the progress in the implementation of the A7 motorway project, emphasizing that “we have contractors for the two sections that cover Pașcani-Suceava. And certainly, we have now entered the design phase, and by 2028, we will be driving on the motorway to Suceava.” This investment is considered essential for increasing the region’s connectivity and for facilitating efficient, modern, and safe transportation.
The A7 motorway will ensure a fast and efficient link between Moldova and other regions of the country, contributing to the integration of the area into the European transport corridors. In the context of economic development, facilitating the mobility of goods and people is essential for attracting investments, expanding markets, and boosting tourism.
A Unified Approach for the Moldova Region: Suceava – Botoșani Collaboration
Ion Ștefanovici emphasized during his intervention that “there is a common approach because the A7 motorway also affects Botoșani.” The CAPDR president highlighted the need for an integrated regional development vision that also includes the connections between counties: “Botoșani is interested as a neighboring county or through its interconnection with Suceava, including with the A7, the connection, and potentially linking the future express roads infrastructure to the motorway. So, we can think of them as a unified whole.”
This inter-county collaboration is vital for the balanced and sustainable development of Moldova, avoiding administrative isolation that can hinder economic growth. The express road between Suceava and Botoșani represents a complementary component that ensures a fast, flexible connection tailored to regional needs.
Multimodal Interconnection: Salcea Airport and Future Railway Links
Ioan Cristian Șologon also brought up the multimodal dimension of infrastructure: “They are designed and planned to ensure interconnection and interoperability, including with the airport. The connection between the A7 motorway, the express road between Suceava and Botoșani, and the Salcea Airport is viewed as a single system.”
This integration between road and air infrastructure provides a major competitive advantage to the region, enabling fast and efficient access for both passengers and goods. Moreover, Șologon mentioned the potential for a rail connection, stating that “we’re only missing one component there, but I hope the railway part will be planned as well.”
The development of this multimodal infrastructure is essential for sustainable growth and for opening the region to external markets.
Economic and Social Implications of Infrastructure Development
The modernization and expansion of Moldova’s transport network will generate major positive economic effects. By improving accessibility and reducing travel times, quality infrastructure will attract investors, stimulate trade, and increase tourism appeal.
Moreover, infrastructure development will support the creation of new jobs, encourage workforce mobility, and facilitate access to quality services for the region’s population.
Conclusions: Integrated Vision for the Development of Moldova
The discussions between Ion Ștefanovici and Ioan Cristian Șologon highlight the need for a unified, strategic, and multimodal approach to the development of infrastructure in the Moldova region. The A7 motorway, along with express roads and air and rail connections, outlines a modern infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and connecting Moldova with the rest of the country and with Europe.
The 2028 deadline for completing the motorway to Suceava, alongside complementary projects currently under development, provides a realistic and optimistic outlook for a region with significant development potential.
