The National Union of Romanian Employers (UNPR) has officially launched its branch in the Republic of Moldova, a strategic initiative reflecting the organization’s commitment to actively contributing to the strengthening of cooperation between the business environments of Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
On this occasion, a UNPR delegation led by the organization’s President, Mr. Ioan Lucian, carried out a working visit to Chișinău between 21–23 January 2026, during which high-level official meetings were held with representatives of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the Moldova State University, the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova, as well as other national institutions.
The agenda of the meetings included discussions with:
- Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development;
- State Secretary Cristina Ceban, Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization;
- Minister Andrian Gavriliță, Ministry of Finance;
- Minister Dorin Junghietu, Ministry of Energy;
- Minister Natalia Plugaru, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection;
- State Secretary Alexei Buzu, General Secretariat of the Government;
- His Excellency Mr. Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova;
- Rector of the Moldova State University, Mr. Igor Șarov.
The delegation included Mr. Ovidiu Dranga – High Representative for International Relations, Mr. Daniel Moraru – President of UNPR Southeast Region, Mr. Ovidiu Vladu – Vice President of UNPR, Mr. Sebastian Hedea – General Director of UNPR, Ms. Roxana Mircea Burdan – President of the UNPR European Funds Commission, Mr. Dan Bold – Rei International Consulting, Ms. Anamaria Vlad – Megline Association, Mr. Doru Vîjîianu – Zipper Services, Mr. Alexandru Cojocaru – Zipper Services, Mr. Flaviu Florin Cioancă – Fastkets, Mr. Adrian Ceauș – Euroasian Energy Group, Mr. Andrei Flavian – Arlechin Total Distribution, Ms. Natalia Lepădatu – Arlechin Total Distribution.
The discussions focused on two main directions:
- future investments by UNPR members in the Republic of Moldova;
- the formulation of proposals addressed to Moldovan ministries, aimed at sharing the experience of the Romanian business environment in collaborating with relevant public institutions (Government, Presidential Administration, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies) during Romania’s pre-accession and accession period to the European Union.
“The opening of the UNPR branch in the Republic of Moldova represents more than an institutional expansion – it is a concrete step toward creating a permanent platform for dialogue between the business communities of Romania and the Republic of Moldova and Moldovan public authorities, in support of the Republic of Moldova’s determined and coherent path toward the European Union,” stated Ioan Lucian, President of UNPR.
Through this initiative, UNPR aims to facilitate partnerships between Romanian and Moldovan companies, support joint investment projects, and contribute to strengthening a predictable and competitive economic climate in the region.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea presented the main strategic directions for the economic development of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the ministry’s priorities in the fields of infrastructure and regional development. UNPR representatives presented the organization’s mission and the role of the newly established branch as a platform for investments, economic cooperation, and the transfer of best practices, while also expressing the Romanian business community’s interest in developing joint sectoral projects. At the end of the meeting, the President of UNPR proposed the establishment of a joint consultative working group between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development and UNPR, a proposal that received the Deputy Prime Minister’s agreement in principle.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Energy, Minister Dorin Junghietu emphasized the determination of the Moldovan authorities to accelerate the alignment of the energy sector with European Union policies and standards. Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation and investment in the energy field, as well as on the involvement of the Romanian business community in strategic projects. At the conclusion of the meeting, the President of UNPR put forward a proposal to establish a joint consultative working group, an initiative that received the Minister’s agreement in principle.
At the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, discussions held with State Secretary Cristina Ceban focused on the ongoing economic and digital reforms, as well as on concrete ways to support entrepreneurship. The parties agreed on the establishment of two working groups, one dedicated to digitalization and another focused on entrepreneurship, and UNPR requested that its newly established branch in Chișinău become a member of the Consultative Economic Council. Representatives of the ministry expressed openness to institutional cooperation and to the active involvement of the Romanian business community. At the end of the meeting, the minister expressed agreement in principle to formalize cooperation through these joint mechanisms.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Finance, Minister Andrian Gavriliță and the UNPR delegation addressed issues related to the institutional relationship between the state and the business environment, with a focus on the impact of fiscal and budgetary policies on entrepreneurship. UNPR representatives presented Romania’s experiences from the pre-accession and accession periods to the European Union, emphasizing the importance of avoiding measures that could hinder the development of the private sector. At the end of the meeting, the President of UNPR proposed the establishment of a joint Ministry–UNPR working group, a proposal that received the minister’s agreement in principle.
During the meeting with the Secretary General of the Government, Alexei Buzu, the President of UNPR proposed the organization, in the autumn of this year, of the “European Integration Forum for the Business Environment of the Republic of Moldova”, an event to be held under the High Patronage of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The proposal was received positively, with UNPR set to submit the organizational details in the coming period. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed in principle on the establishment of a joint working mechanism to prepare this initiative.
During the meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru, discussions focused on the impact of labour and social protection policies on the business environment and on the investment attractiveness of the Republic of Moldova. The President of UNPR highlighted the importance of this governmental portfolio for Romanian investors interested in expanding their activities on the Moldovan market. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed in principle to establish a joint working group between the ministry and UNPR, with the Minister’s approval.
During the meeting with the leadership of the State University of Moldova, Rector Igor Șarov presented the institution’s strategy in the fields of education, research, and international cooperation. UNPR representatives proposed the development of concrete forms of collaboration between the academic sector and the business environment, particularly in vocational training, applied research, and knowledge transfer. The two parties agreed to proceed, as soon as possible, with the signing of a partnership agreement to establish the formal framework for institutional cooperation.
During the official meeting with His Excellency Ambassador Cristian-Leon Țurcanu of the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova, the President of UNPR presented the organization’s strategy for strengthening Romanian investment presence and developing the UNPR branch in Chișinău, emphasizing the importance of continuous institutional cooperation with Romania’s diplomatic mission.
We note that throughout all meetings organized with ministries and other central public institutions of the Republic of Moldova, the UNPR delegation was accompanied by Mr. Ștefan Krasovschi Murea, Minister-Counsellor, whose diplomatic contribution substantially supported the smooth conduct of the institutional dialogue.
The National Union of Romanian Employers will continue the institutional dialogue initiated in Chișinău and will develop, in the period ahead, concrete mechanisms of collaboration with authorities and local partners, for the benefit of the business community and the economies of both countries.
