Government will more actively involve private sector in economic development programs

[Info-Prim Neo articles from the Series “Moldova-20! Whereto?”] The Government will more actively engage the private sector in the implementation of economic development programs, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Valeriu Lazar said in a program on Radio Moldova, referring to the development of the private sector and the business community in Moldova during the independence period, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The private sector prevails in Moldova’s economy, but a lot of work is yet to be done to improve its quality. We went through privatization, supported the development of small and medium-sized companies, mainly those dealing with services and trade. But the presence of the state in the real economy is yet too great, especially in infrastructure. Approximately 25% of the value of the net assets in the real economy belongs to the state, even if it does not have the ability to invest money in developing the given assets. That’s why in autumn or at the start of next year, we must restart attracting the private sector to economy by different public-private partnership methods, either by ordinary privatization or by conceding certain services in these infrastructures that must be developed,” said Lazar. Training courses and programs and informative seminars will be organized by the state institutions in partnership with the business community. “Competition is necessary in a market economy, but we must realize the role of association when a common voice is needed in the dialogue with the public sector, with those who draft policies,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. The Government’s secretary general Victor Bodiu, who has experience in business management, said the private sector developed non-uniformly in the 20 years of independence. “In the banking system for example, the private sector is powerful and this enabled to attract private investments to banks,” he said. According to him, the entrepreneurial culture of the Moldovan economic entities will increase if consistent effort is made to improve the business environment in the country so as to attract foreign investments. “The Western companies coming to Moldova bring not only capital, but also the best business management, labor organization and IT utilization practices,” he added. Alexandru Slusari, chairman of the Association of Agricultural Producers Uniagroprotect, said that despite the problems, crises and political instability experienced in the period, the private sector turned out to be more receptive to novelty than the public one. “There are persons who think only how to earn as much money as possible and enrich themselves, but most of the businessmen are honest and generous, like those working in agriculture. I’m very optimistic about the future of the Moldovan businesses,” he stated. According to Sergiu Harea, head of the economy division of the Chamber of Trade and Industry, young managers with new ideas started to enter the business sector and they aim to obtain efficiency when making investments and launching projects. They think about the career of their employees, invest in education, show social responsibility and contribute to the development of the communities where they operate. The Chamber of Trade and Industry helps promote such managers, including by organizing internships at leading foreign companies. In the same connection, Alexei Ciubara, head of the Soroca Small Business Center, stressed the necessity of opening more information center for businessmen, especially in rural areas, so as to help them plan sustainable businesses, identify partners and develop entrepreneurial culture.