More than 200 businessmen from Romania and Moldova, representatives of ministries, the Regional Development Agency North of Moldova and the Regional Development Agency West of Romania, ambassadors and representatives of NGOs came together at the Moldovan-Romanian interregional economic forum “Promotion of economic potential and creation of opportunities for attracting investments to the Development Region North” in Balti on March 28, Info-Prim Neo reports. The participants discuss aspects of tourism in the northern region of Moldova, key investments for the region’s economy, including in the transport sector and road infrastructure, agrifood sector, and the Free Enterprise Zones, and the necessity of drafting General Urbanistic Plans. There are presented opportunities for economic cooperation between the two development regions of Moldova and Romania. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar said the event is a novelty for Moldova and the first economic forum of such a scale. “We switched from the flower bridge to more tangible bridges at the level of relations between administrations and businessmen. The entrepreneurs foster the development in a market economy, while we should ensure the legal framework and as many platforms for launching projects as possible,” he stated. According to Valeriu Lazar, Romania is the second commercial partner of Moldova by exports. Romania is an EU member state that several years ago went though the stage that is now covered by Moldova. Thus, Moldova can learn from Romania’s experience as regards the European integration. Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Marius Lazurca said it is significant that the economic forum takes place in Balti as this town has a solid industrial tradition, which is an important fact for any investor. The city also offers considerable opportunities for investments. “This event encourages us to believe in the economic cooperation prospects and not only between regions,” he stressed. Minister of Regional Development and Construction Marcel Raducan said that they count on a strategic partnership with Romania in the initiation and implementation of common projects, both in the North Region and at national level. The forum was organized by the Regional Development Agency North of Moldova and the Regional Development Agency West of Romania under the aegis of the Ministry of Regional Development and Construction. It will continue on March 29.