The hosting of the European Political Community Summit is a unique chance to show to the whole world that any citizen who comes to the Republic of Moldova feels safe and this chance should not be missed. The security level that can be ensured by a country is extremely important in the development of subsequent economic ties and, in particular, can be a benchmark for those who will choose Moldova as a business or investment destination, Sergiu Manea, president of the Employers’ Association of the Tourism Industry of the Republic of Moldova, stated in a public debate  staged by IPN.

He said that Moldova’s image should be better promoted in terms of security and safety. “We can follow particular examples when the countries, having so-called conflicts nearby or on their territory, such as Georgia and Israel, ensure maximum safety for those who visit them. Better promotion from security and safety viewpoints is needed,” stated Sergiu Manea.

He noted that besides the safety of being in Moldova, the connectivity with other states, both by air and by land, is as important and the EPC Summit, which implies the connection of representatives from all the European states, will emphasize where things can be improved in this regard. For one day, Moldova will become the capital of Europe and the security level is to be very high, possibly the highest.

Sergiu Manea also said that the European projects that are designed to transform the Republic of Moldova into a state with safe land transport infrastructure will increase the country’s attractiveness. As to the expected impact of the EPC Summit on the tourism sector, he said that it is a very good example of export of tourism services when, based on specific arrangements, like the EPC Summit in the case of Moldova, flows of tourists are generated and such an example can be replicated.

The public debate entitled “European Political Community Summit – responsibilities and economic opportunities opened for the Republic of Moldova” was the fourth installment of IPN’s project “Support for European Integration by stimulating discussion in the mass media about the European Political Community (EPC) Summit” that is supported by Soros Foundation Moldova.