President Maia Sandu invites Romanian businesses to contribute to Republic of Moldova's transformation

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu invited on Monday Romanian companies to invest in the EU hopeful, telling the Economic Forum "Investments - Development - European Integration" taking place in Chisinau that Moldova will receive 1.9 billion euros worth of financing for investment development, a facility Romanian companies can also benefit from."This year, under the European Union's Growth Plan, Moldova secured an ambitious investment package of 1.9 billion euros dedicated to modernizing the economy, developing infrastructure and preparing accession. It is also a concrete opportunity for European companies, Romanian businesses in particular, which enjoy the advantage of language, proximity and an already consolidated relationship. I therefore extend an open invitation to Romanian companies to contribute to the transformation of the Republic of Moldova, to be part of a growing economy which is gradually joining the European market it is increasingly connected to," said Sandu.   She added that Romania is not only the Republic of Moldova's strategic partner, but also its soul partner.The leader from Chisinau emphasized that the Republic of Moldova's path towards the European Union passes, without a doubt, through Romania."Romania is not only our strategic partner, it is also our soul partner. No other country has invested more, believed more and constantly supported us more in our European journey. Our path towards the European Union passes, without a doubt, through Romania, including through the companies, institutions, support and trust offered by our partners across the Prut," said Maia Sandu.The Moldovan President also said that Romania is "the number one investor in the Republic of Moldova" and that "the Romanian economic presence is solid and diversified"."Today, Romania is the number one investor in the Republic of Moldova. The Romanian economic presence is solid and diversified, from green energy to logistics, IT, furniture, sustainable agriculture or education, but the changes we have implemented in recent years in Chisinau show that we can do even more. The Republic of Moldova is an open, connected and European economy, and in the not too distant future it will also become a member of the European Union. The access of companies from the Republic of Moldova and from the region to an enlarged market is already a reality, through our free trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Ukraine and the Western Balkans, and the Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association - EFTA, which includes Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, has also entered into force as of April 1 this year. These trade openings go hand in hand with concrete actions to modernize the economy, digitalize the administration, reduce red tape, develop infrastructure, actively support SMEs and a competitive tax regime. All contribute to a clear, predictable and attractive business environment," Maia Sandu said.