In the context of the pandemic, the Republic of Moldova can be an investment opportunity for Italian enterprises, considers Italy’s Ambassador to Moldova Valeria Biagiotti. In this difficult pandemic period, some of the Italian enterprises that are present in Moldova chose to change, to reconvert production. “My message is definitely a message of encouragement and an invitation to Italian entrepreneurs to continue to look at the Republic of Moldova and to consider the possibility of investing here, in the country, for the mutual benefit of the two states,” the diplomat stated in an interview that forms part of a series of thematic interviews held with ambassadors of EU member states within Europe Days, IPN reports.
Valeria Biagiotti noted that during her three-year stay in Moldova, she noticed that the relations between Italy and Moldova are “excellent in all the sectors”. “When I came here in 2017, I didn’t imagine that the ties between Italy and Moldova were so deep-rooted. Now, after the third year of my term in office, I’m even more convinced of the special dynamics between our countries. The intensity of the relations is definitely the product of institutional actions and also the merit of civil society and of the considerable involvement of Italian and Moldovan citizens and a result of the active and propulsive role played by these. This is primarily due to the fact that our country is home to one of the largest community of Moldovans in the world and to the presence of Italian residents and entrepreneurs that chose to live and work in the Republic of Moldova.”
Asked what cooperation areas should be now priorities, the ambassador said that in this crisis period, more work should be done to intensify the cooperation between the two countries, while the economic sector, where the relations are already rather good, is very important given that Italy is one of Moldova’s main economic partners.
As to trade, Valeria Biagiotti said there is room for improving the commercial relations and trade between the countries. “A considerable part of the commercial exchanges cover the import and re-export of materials and products that are partially processed in the Republic of Moldova, which shows the vitality of the industrial presence of Italy in the Republic of Moldova,” she stated, noting that trade in the agri-food, wine and tourism industries can be further improved.
As to the areas that need to be improved, Valeria Biagiotti said the EU insists on two aspects that will lead to the extension of Moldova’s integration into the European family – the justice sector reform and the fight against corruption - while the implementation of the international and European standards in these sectors is crucial for giving a decisive impetus to Moldova’s European integration.
The ambassador added that the EU is not only the main economic partner of Moldova, but is also its largest supporter and the European assistance is aimed at improving the quality of life of Moldovans, strengthening the rule of law and guaranteeing a favorable investment climate.
