South Free Entrepreneurship Zone might become engine for economic growth in region, Moldovan economics minister says

Chisinau, 30 September /MOLDPRES/ - The Valkanes Free Entrepreneurship Zone (ZAL) may become a true industrial platform and an engine for the economic growth in the region, due to its location nearby the Giurgiulesti port. Deputy Prime Minister, Economics Minister Stephane Bride made statements to this effect during a working visit to southern Vulcanesti district on 29 September.

Bride also paid visits to enterprises within Valkanes ZAL, held talks with Gagauz business people, potential investors, as well as with local public authorities.

The officials tackled cooperation between the Economics Ministry and Gagauz Territorial Administrative Unit (UTA Gagauzia), turning to good accounts development opportunities within Valkanes ZAL, including those provided by Giurgiulesti port, presentation of foreign financing projects for private sector, solutions as to develop industrial infrastructure and communications, as well as prospect of development of the Comrat-based industrial park.

”Though, Moldova is passing through a difficult period, it continues to be a good destination for business and has the potential to generate businesses, launch productions and boost industry,” Stephane Bride said. 

When meeting Valkanes ZAL residents and Gagauz entrepreneurs, Bride said that responsible institutions have to communicate more about economic advantages, to inform more efficiently about financing sources for businessmen and to develop all cooperation opportunities with investors. ”Possible investors have to know what Moldova offers them and we to assure them that the state institutions will move better in the relationship with them - as to visas, permits, tax payment, bureaucratic formalities, etc.,” Bride said.  

Referring to financial resources for business development, Bride said that entrepreneurs are provided with funds of foreign projects, such as World Bank's Project Enhancing Competitiveness II, which recently has opened a co-financing grant line for entrepreneurs, with a 3-million-dollar-worth budget 3. And for business people who do not have mortgage, resources of the Fund for Credit Granting are available, which also is not fully developed.

For her part, Gagauz Governor Irina Vlah spoke out for a more active cooperation with the Economics Ministry, by participation of representatives of Gagauz administration in present platforms, to work out national and regional economic policies. Vlah also underscored the need to develop the business infrastructure, open new business incubators in the region, develop energy efficiency projects, train young people and promote entrepreneurial spirit.

On 1 July 2015, twenty eight residents were registered with Valkanes ZAL, of whom 3 were carrying out their activity. The number of residents' employees was of 374 persons. Since the free zone has started its activity, investments in amount of 15.6 million dollars were attracted. In 2014, the quota of net sales of industrial products increased by 6.3 per cent and was of 282.3 million lei.

(Reporter A. Mardare, Editor L. Alcaza)