The Government needs to relaunch programs aimed at bringing the diaspora back home, programs through which Moldovan citizens returning from abroad can develop their businesses in Moldova and earn a living here, at home. This was stated by President Maia Sandu during the opening of the 9th Diaspora Congress, which takes place online on August 20-22, IPN reports.

“We want to build a partnership with the citizens of the diaspora. We have citizens of different ages and with different expectations abroad. We need to create opportunities for these people so that they can return home,” said Sandu.

Maia Sandu stated that a significant part of Moldova’s economy is based on remittances sent in by the diaspora. “We will treat with care and respect every need coming from the citizens. Some problems can be solved quickly, and some need time to solve. With the involvement of each of us, things will improve,” said the president.

Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița stated, for her part, that Moldovan citizens living abroad need the support of our state, and so the Government’s priority is to open and build a dialogue as productive as possible with the diaspora.

“I have a lot of admiration for people like Marcel Spatari or Nicu Popescu, who left their jobs abroad to accept to lead some complicated ministries, in a difficult period for our country. In the next period you will see professionals from the diaspora appointed to management positions (in the Government) and other central public authorities. I am glad that Moldovans are returning at the local level as well – of the 12 Government representatives in the provinces, two people have returned from Great Britain and Germany to their native districts”, said the prime minister.

Natalia Gavrilița added that in the near future, opportunities will also be created for Moldovans who cannot return home. “We will work together with the Public Property Agency to create a program for the participation of our compatriots abroad, in the boards of directors of state-owned enterprises, thus bringing new values of corporate governance to these institutions”, the prime minister said.

Attending the Congress, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, said that his ministry is working to make consular services faster and cheaper for citizens in the diaspora. It also works to obtain social security agreements with several European Union countries as well as agreements on the recognition of Moldovan driver’s licenses.

About 120 Moldovan citizens from 18 countries are connected to the online discussions of the Diaspora Congress.