The Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece, Haris Theoharis, asserts that the Republic of Moldova can attract more European investments if it continues with “seriousness and strategic focus” the process of joining the European Union. In an interview given to the IPN Press Agency, the Greek official stated that the European path provides the stable and predictable legislative framework needed by investors.
“The most important thing that Moldova can do is to continue seriously on the path to EU accession. The EU offers legislative stability, rule of law, and the fight against corruption – all essential for foreign direct investment,” Theoharis noted.
Delegation of companies from the energy and infrastructure sector
During his visit to Chisinau, the Greek official was accompanied by representatives of important companies in the energy, infrastructure, and water resource management sectors, such as Public Power Company and GEK Terna. The delegation participated in a business forum organized by Enterprise Greece and Invest Moldova and had B2B meetings with Moldovan partners.
There have also been governmental meetings, including with the Minister of Environment and the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for infrastructure, to identify projects that can be included in the Growth Plan of Moldova.
According to the Greek official, in the coming weeks, the memorandum between Enterprise Greece and Invest Moldova, signed in 2023, is to be renewed, as well as the negotiations for a government-to-government agreement for technical assistance aimed at implementing strategic projects are to be finalized.
“There are many things underway, and this shows how strong the political and economic cooperation between the two governments is,” emphasized Theoharis.
Energy, infrastructure, IT and agro-food – sectors of interest
When asked about the priority areas for Greek investors, the Greek Deputy Minister mentioned energy, infrastructure, IT, the agri-food sector, and the pharmaceutical industry.
In the field of infrastructure, Greece is represented by three major companies – Avax, GEK Terna and Actor – with experience in large-scale projects, including water resource management and the development of pumped-storage hydroelectric power stations.
“Water management is becoming an increasingly large challenge in the region, and Greece has relevant experience in this field,” the official pointed out.
Adherence to the EU – the main catalyst for investments
Haris Theoharis stated that there is not “a single solution” for attracting investments, simultaneous progress being necessary in several directions – legislative stability, modern infrastructure, bankable projects and access to financing.
He emphasized that the European funds granted to Moldova for the implementation of the Growth Plan must be used “fully and efficiently”, so that the country’s infrastructure becomes compatible with the European one, in areas such as energy, technology, communications, and banking system.
“It is essential to have partners capable of creating bankable projects,” said the deputy minister.
Energy Security and the Green Transition
Referring to the energy sector and the challenges related to dependence on Russia, the Greek official emphasized that Moldova has gone through a difficult transition to consolidate its energy security.
At the same time, according to him, Greece contributes to the diversification of supply in the region through the Vertical Corridor, which connects Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia, and is willing to support Moldova in the transition to renewable sources.
“Greece has approximately 70% renewable energy, and our companies can provide expertise in regulation, transport, distribution, and production,” declared Theoharis.
At the end of the interview, the Greek Deputy Minister emphasized that this is his second visit to Chisinau and that Greece firmly supports the European path of the Republic of Moldova. “You can always count on Greece as a reliable partner,” the official concluded.
