Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Monday at the „Investment – Development – European Integration” Forum in Chisinau that Romania is not only the Republic of Moldova’s strategic partner, but also its soul partner.

The leader from Chisinau emphasized that the Republic of Moldova’s path towards the European Union passes, without a doubt, through Romania.

„Romania is not only our strategic partner, it is also our soul partner. No other country has invested more, believed more and constantly supported us more in our European journey. Our path towards the European Union passes, without a doubt, through Romania, including through the companies, institutions, support and trust offered by our partners across the Prut,” said Maia Sandu.

The Moldovan President also said that Romania is „the number one investor in the Republic of Moldova” and that „the Romanian economic presence is solid and diversified”.

„Today, Romania is the number one investor in the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian economic presence is solid and diversified, from green energy to logistics, IT, furniture, sustainable agriculture or education, but the changes we have implemented in recent years in Chisinau show that we can do even more. The Republic of Moldova is an open, connected and European economy, and in the not too distant future it will also become a member of the European Union. The access of companies from the Republic of Moldova and from the region to an enlarged market is already a reality, through our free trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Ukraine and the Western Balkans, and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association – EFTA, which includes Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, has also entered into force as of April 1 this year. These trade openings go hand in hand with concrete actions to modernize the economy, digitalize the administration, reduce red tape, develop infrastructure, actively support SMEs and a competitive tax regime. All contribute to a clear, predictable and attractive business environment,” Maia Sandu said.

AGERPRES