Moldovans haven’t yet made it a habit to use digital services, but it is the duty of the authorities and providers to promote the digital model, says Olga Tumuruc, head of the Electronic Government Agency.

During a program on Radio Moldova, Tumuruc touted the benefits of the electronic signature, such as convenience and expeditiousness.

“Electronic signatures allow holders to access public services online, that is, from the comfort of their own home, from the office, with more time and effort efficiency. We need to communicate more on this topic. Digital services are still a novelty for our citizens, that is, the digital option has not yet become a habit, a routine. Having the electronic signature gives us access to digital services, and that means borderless services. For Moldova, a country with a third of its citizens living abroad, digital services are the only option for the members of the diaspora to handle personal business at home. The most popular electronic services are from the cadastral category”, said Tumuruc.

Victor Guzun, expert in digitization, told the same program that online payments and other digital services are in their infancy in Moldova, and more effort is needed to promote these processes.

“In Moldova, only 30% of payments are made online. The rest of the payments are made using cash. But we don’t have to be afraid to make payments online. Commercial banks need to do more to explain why online payments are safe. According to estimates, next year 75% of all services should be digital, and in 2030 all of them. I think that just by developing these services and not using them, we are not on the right path”, said Guzun.

The governmental platform servicii.gov.md includes information about the entire range of public services provided by the Moldovan authorities. The portal offers citizens the convenience of accessing around 250 digital services in a one-stop shop model.