Moldovan economics minister confident about implementation of reforms, modernisations, good changes

Interview given by Deputy Prime Minister, Economics Minister Stephane Bride exclusively to the MOLDPRES State News Agency.

Question: Mr. Minister, having talks with representatives of EU, World Bank and business environment, do you expect the reforms to become key word in the years to come? What reforms are first on the agenda?

Answer: You describe them as reforms, I call them changes for the better, because we all need them. I am sure that it is not just me to understand it, therefore, I am confident that we will have no obstacles to implementing reforms, modernizations, changes for the better the society is in need of. Namely these things we have discussed with our European and international partners, whom I told just what I am telling you: first of all, there are no different camps, no we, the governors and they, entrepreneurs or citizens. Proceeding from this, you will not only hear from the Economics Ministry, but will also be able to concretely see how the commitments with EU are carried out for the benefit of investors and citizens.

Q: You said that Moldova has a huge and unused potential, especially in the agriculture sector. Surely, there are many things to be done in other fields too. In terms of your plans and support from outside, is it possible for this potential to be turned to good account already in the next years?

A: Surely. We will seriously involve in implementation to put this agricultural potential in action and to make it efficient and competitive. In this respect, we have support from foreign partners as well.

Moldova has already accepted competition with the European economic environment, with everything that means: free movement of goods, capital and labour force, technological development, etc. That is why, it is important that we identify the cornerstone of our competitiveness as a country, which could come from a national specific feature, such as new traditional or ecological products for EU.

Q: A competitive business environment and attractive investment climate are decisive in development of economy. What should be changed, in your opinion, for Moldova to become an attractive destination for foreign investors and friendly for business?

A: First of all, the attitude of central and local authorities towards investors coming in Moldova and willing to create jobs should be changed. I would propose less arrogance in interaction with foreign investors and more openness and communication. Investors are taxpayers and may have an important role in building people’s welfare.  

In parallel, the Economics Ministry meets its responsibilities: implementation of Regulatory Reform, which will remove administrative and legal barriers, launch of the one-stop-shop, enforcement of the National Strategy for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, roadmap on enhancing competitiveness etc.

Q: The economic growth forecast for this year, recently launched by the Viitorul (Future)  institute, is not optimistic. It even shows a decrease in all sectors. Do you have may be a personal assessment of the economic evolution in 2015?

A: Forecasts in the sense of decreasing are made for more states in the region, not only for Moldova. The economic situation of Moldova depends on the evolution of the world economy, of the countries that are trade partners.

We must take into account that we had a good economic growth in previous years and work to maintain risks in the region at the minimum level. We can act at domestic level, and here we will do our utmost to encourage the economy, offer trust to business environment, foster investments and increase the number of jobs.

(Reporter: V. Bercu, editor A. Răileanu)