58% of the entrepreneurs believe that Moldova is following a good direction, reflecting the general optimism among the business community, while 76% of respondents say they are in favor of European integration, according  to the Entrepreneurs’ Barometer, a survey conducted on a sample of over 1,000 businesspeople from various sectors of the economy,  IPN reports.

Natalia Gavrilița, president of the Association “Partnerships for the New Economy”, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, said that the optimism of entrepreneurs is based on objective reasons. They see concrete opportunities in the European integration process: access to the single market, economic stability, and European funding. They also recognise the challenges and the need to adapt to the EU standards and increase competitiveness. Half of them say they are ready for this transition.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean noted the importance of entrepreneurship in the country’s development, noting that the Barometer appears at an important moment for the Republic of Moldova. “The Government will continue to support entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, reduce bureaucracy and facilitate access to finance for SMEs. The Barometer data will help us to adjust economic policies for the development of a more competitive business ecosystem,” said the official.

Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks, head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, noted the role that Moldova will have as an EU member country: it will be able to participate directly in the process of creating the acquis communautaire and to directly promote its interests.

The ambassador added that the EU is Moldova’s main trading partner and the main source of direct investment. The value of exports has doubled compared to 10 years ago.

The survey was carried out between July 22 and August 21, 2024.