The legislation of the Republic of Moldova is adjusted to European practices, but there are deficiencies in its implementation. Justice reform could increase investment attractiveness of the Republic of Moldova. Opinions in this regard have been stated at the Economic Press Forum, organized by the Economic Press Club, in connection with 100- day activity of the new Government, IPN reports.
Ana Groza, executive director of the Association of Foreign Investors, says that businessmen expect real reforms from the Government, with tangible results, and justice reform is the most expected. Members of the Association proposed the Government to create a special commission of development partners, that will initiate the evaluation process of judges and prosecutors. "We propose that the assessment be done annually and not every three years. And in parallel with the assessment, a mandatory analysis of the incomes of both judges and prosecutors, but also of their relatives up to the third degree shall be carried out, "said Ana Groza.
The director of the Association also says she wants the state authorities to develop and implement policies that retain the labour force in Moldova, but also facilitate its import. It is necessary to complete the reforms of the local public administration, its de-politicization. It would also be advisable for the education system to train specialists as needed by companies.
Mariana Rufa, the executive director of the European Business Association, argues that, in collaboration with the current government, there has been made some progress in the field of monopolies, such as blocking the export of metals. The draft concerning these amendments is still at the Ministry of Economy, where discussions are taking place. There is some advancement in the field of meat import.
"We came up with a draft on amendments, they were discussed and analysed. They highlight some shocking figures, which show the revenues lost by the state budget. Now these amendments are being endorsed and we hope that soon the situation will be much clearer”, stressed the executive director of the European Business Association. Mariana Rufa also said that, unfortunately, Moldova was two years behind in the export of chicken and eggs to the EU market. "The internal procedures, the audit procedures, undertaken by ANSA do not take place", says the director.
Mila Malarau, executive director of the Employers' Association American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova (AmCham Moldova), states that an effective communication with the decision-makers is desired and that in 100 days they were able to have a good dialogue with the key ministers for business policies. The efforts of decision-makers must be concentrated, in particular, on such areas as justice. Similarly, an infrastructure is needed to enable the efficient development of the business. It is important to develop the energy sector. "The investment climate will not be attractive unless there is certainty that every economic agent has access to fair judicial process," said Mila Malarau.
Victor Durleșteanu, head of the Moldo-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, says that investors do not come to Moldova because of lack of stability. There is no institutional memory when the government changes. Moldova has no infrastructure, no roads. It is not ready to provide tourist routes for China.
Attending the event, the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Vadim Brînzan, said that during the three months of governance efforts had been made to attain "four D": Disclosure, Demonopolization, Denationalization (privatization) and Development. The minister claims that when he came to the ministry he noticed that state institutions became vulnerable, and started the process of strengthening the ministry by creating his team. Over the next three years, he aims to double GDP per capita and create a modern economy. He sees potential for development in IT, renewable energy, nanotechnologies, agriculture. But, for this, says the minister, it is necessary to disclose the schemes with hundreds of millions of lei taken from the pockets of citizens.