The European Business Women’s Association (PEFA) is organizing the Romania-Moldova Economic Forum (F.E.R.M.) on September 17 in Chișinău. The event is held under the auspices of the National Bank of Moldova, in strategic partnership with the Romanian Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and in partnership with the Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova. It is dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the entrepreneurial environment on both sides of the Prut River.
The Forum will see the launch of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index, a tool for analyzing and monitoring women’s participation and impact in the business environment, designed to provide a clear picture of the opportunities, challenges, and development prospects of a country by supporting and promoting female leadership. The Index was launched for the first time in Bucharest in May 2025 and is a national barometer that collects and analyzes relevant data on the role and presence of women in the economy, their access to resources, financing, entrepreneurial education, and decision-making.
Andreea Negru, President of PEFA, said: „The Romania-Moldova Economic Forum (F.E.R.M.) is more than an event, it is a strategic bridge between business leaders, decision-makers, and civil society in the two countries. By launching the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index in Chisinau, we are demonstrating that good practice models can become concrete instruments of change and that women entrepreneurs have a decisive role in strengthening the economy and female leadership in the Republic of Moldova.”
PEFA First Vice President Lorena Stoian emphasizes: „The development of a solid economic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is based on the active involvement of women, whose contribution is fundamental. Women play an essential role in strengthening economic relations between the two countries. The Women’s Entrepreneurship Index is an important benchmark that highlights the real needs of women entrepreneurs and provides clear directions for effective public policies.”
The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Anca Dragu, says: „Women entrepreneurs bring not only competence and perseverance, but also a transformative vision for the economy and society, and supporting female entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and innovation. The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index in Chisinau provides us with a valuable tool to better understand the realities and needs of women in business and to develop policies and initiatives that amplify their role in the Moldovan economy.”
The strategic nature of economic cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova was also highlighted by Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Romania’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Moldova: „Over 1,700 companies with Romanian capital are present in the Republic of Moldova, investing trust and resources, providing jobs, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth in the economic environment. This is the best proof that the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is one of the most important drivers for the European development of the Moldovan economy and society as a whole.”
The Romania-Republic of Moldova Economic Forum (F.E.R.M.) is organized with the support of partners who will contribute to the debates: BC Moldova Agroindbank SA, OTP Bank, Moldcell, Electrica SA, DO Security, Advanced Business Software, and the Association for the Development of Local Entrepreneurship (ADAA). Institutional partners: Ministry of National Defense, National Agency for Drug and Addiction Policy and Coordination, and IMM Romania.
Media partners: Antena 3 CNN, Canal 33, Agerpres, Financial Intelligence, Club Economic, Economistul, Transilvania Business, Ziarul Bursa, I AM News, Business- Review.eu, InvesTenergy, The Diplomat Bucharest, EM360, Club Antreprenor, Focus Energetic, Money.ro, Energy Industry Review, News One, V4 Media, Iubim Brașovul. Press monitoring partner: Klarmedia.
The forum will bring together representatives of the business community, public institutions, international organizations, and civil society, providing a framework for partnerships and joint projects that stimulate economic development and regional integration.
AGENDA OF THE ROMANIA-REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA ECONOMIC FORUM – F.E.R.M.
10.00-10.45 – Official opening – Moderator Lorena Stoian – First Vice-President of PEFA
Speeches by officials:
Maia Sandu – President of the Republic of Moldova (tbc)
Nicușor Dan – President of Romania (tbc)
Anca Dragu – Governor of the National Bank of Moldova
Andreea Negru – President of PEFA – Launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Index
Doina Nistor – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization
Eduard Bachide – Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense, Romania
Florin Jianu – Honorary President, SME Romania
Sterică Fudulea – President, Economic and Social Council of Romania
10:45-11:30 – Panel I – FinanciarELE – Moderator Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova
Andreea Negru – President of PEFA
Valeria Belous – Minister of Finance of the Republic of Moldova
Stela Recean – Vice President of BC Moldova Agroindbank SA
Galina Cicanci – Country Manager IFC
11:30-12:15 – Panel II – Development of bilateral relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova – Moderator Lorena Stoian, First Vice President of PEFA
Carolina Bugaian – CEO Moldcell/ President A.F.A.M.
Alexandru Chirita – CEO Electrica Romania
Bogdan-Daniel Spuză – President of the Executive Committee – CEO OTP Bank S.A.
Manuela Mihai – Colonel, Head of the Gender Equality Management Office, Ministry of National Defense, Romania
Rareș-Petru Achiriloaie – President of the National Agency for Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions
12:15-13:00 Networking
About PEFA
The European Association of Women Entrepreneurs (PEFA) is an employers’ organization and a member of IMM Romania, the only confederation representing SMEs at national level. PEFA promotes and supports gender equality and the role and importance of women in society and the economy. The association offers entrepreneurs a powerful platform to make their voices heard both nationally, in relation to central and local public authorities, and at European level. PEFA represents the interests of its members, companies from all fields of activity, led by women and men, in international professional and employer organizations.
