The week of high-level meetings and dialogues in Washington, D.C. placed the Republic of Moldova at the center of global discussions on economic growth, development, reforms, and financial cooperation. From 13 to 18 October 2025, the delegation of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), led by Governor Anca Dragu, together with First Deputy Governor Petru Rotaru and Deputy Governor Tatiana Ivanicichina, participated in the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund — a major event that brings together the world's financial leaders and sets the direction of the global economy.
Meetings with IMF and World Bank officials, participation in the IMF and WBG Constituency meeting, in forums dedicated to economic development, financial inclusion, and women's leadership, as well as the speeches delivered by Ms. Anca Dragu at various thematic conferences, have shaped an active and visible presence of the Republic of Moldova in the international dialogue on the future of the global financial system.
"I spoke to our international and European partners about Moldova's objectives and our European path. We received praise for the results achieved so far and encouragement for the future," said Ms. Anca Dragu in a short video filmed at the conclusion of the events in Washington.
Strategic dialogues for a stable, growing economy
In an economic world dominated by uncertainties and challenges, maintaining financial stability becomes a reflection of institutional maturity and adaptability, as well as a prerequisite for economic growth. Governor Anca Dragu held a series of talks with senior leaders from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG), which reaffirmed the Republic of Moldova's position as a credible and active partner in the global financial architecture.
Meetings with Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, and Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the Republic of Moldova's substantial progress in structural reforms, governance strengthening, and prudent monetary policy management. International officials noted the tangible results of cooperation programmes, particularly in terms of maintaining macroeconomic stability, reducing inflation, and modernising the regulatory framework.
Jeroen Clicq, Executive Director for Moldova at the IMF, and Marnix van Rij, Alternate Executive Director, also highlighted the active role of the National Bank in strengthening institutional stability and integration with European standards, praising the successful completion of the FSAP assessments and accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) – milestones that confirm the maturity and credibility of the national financial system.
"The economy of the Republic of Moldova has shown resilience in a complex environment. This performance is due to the coordination of economic and monetary policies, but also to public confidence in our financial institutions. Stability is achieved through consistency and responsibility," Governor Anca Dragu emphasised during the dialogues held in Washington.
Discussions with Eugene Rhuggenaath, Executive Director of the World Bank Group for the Republic of Moldova, focused on macroeconomic prospects, the results of the FSAP (Financial Sector Assessment Program) exercise, and technical cooperation between the NBM and the WBG in the areas of digitalisation, financial inclusion, and sustainable finance.
A broad framework for dialogue on global developments and regional priorities was formed at the IMF Constituency Meeting, where Governor Anca Dragu made a statement, reaffirming the Republic of Moldova's commitment to transparency, sustainability, and international cooperation.
At the same time, the sessions dedicated to the Regional Economic Outlook (REO), hosted by Alfred Kammer, Director of the IMF's European Department, analysed inflationary trends, the geopolitical impact on emerging economies, and the role of central banks in strengthening macroeconomic resilience. During the bilateral meeting, Ms. Anca Dragu stressed the message: "We are continuing with reforms that strengthen governance and bring the Republic of Moldova closer to European standards."
In addition to the meetings for analysis and exchange of ideas, the delegation of the National Bank of Moldova also held important bilateral meetings.
This series of meetings reinforced the international recognition of Moldova's efforts in the field of economic and financial reforms, with international partners appreciating the sustained pace of institutional modernisation and the increased credibility of the financial sector, which places the Republic of Moldova more firmly on the map of stability and European integration.
Moldova, a model of regional transformation
One of the key moments of the visit was Governor Anca Dragu's participation, as a speaker, at the event "Stability, Security, and Prosperity in Southeast Europe," organised by the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. – one of the most reputable American think tanks in the field of public policy.
In her speech, the NBM Governor emphasised that the Republic of Moldova is undergoing a period of profound transformation, becoming an example of democratic resilience and European integration. "Today we can say that Moldova is no longer a country on the margins of Europe, but a state that inspires through democratic maturity. I am confident that Moldova will become the wonder child of Europe," said Ms. Anca Dragu.
European integration and financial digitalisation
Another important topic of discussion in Washington was the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European financial system. Through its accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the development of instant payment infrastructure, Moldova is taking concrete steps toward technological and institutional convergence with the European Union.
In this context, senior officials from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank praised our country's accelerated progress, highlighting that the Republic of Moldova is advancing with reforms dedicated to economic growth, transparency, and European integration.
"We will continue the Republic of Moldova’s European path with the same consistency and confidence: stability, transparency, and reforms. By modernising the payment infrastructure and strengthening governance, we are aligning Moldova’s financial system with European standards and contributing to increased confidence and economic resilience," stated Ms. Anca Dragu.
Female leadership, inclusion, and fair economy
The capital of the United States also served as a space for dialogue on the power of diversity, the role of women in the economy, and the importance of inclusive leadership. Governor Anca Dragu participated in "Women Lead," an annual event organised by the World Bank, as well as in the "Women Leaders’ Discussion," hosted by Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia.
The two meetings brought together women leaders from around the world: representatives of central banks, international financial institutions, and the business community to explore new models of collaboration between the public sector, the private sector, and society, aimed at promoting equal access to economic opportunities, women's employment, and more equitable governance.
"Financial inclusion and gender equality are real drivers of economic growth. An economy is stronger when all talents are harnessed," Governor Anca Dragu emphasised during the discussions.
Moldova's participation in these platforms confirms the country's active role in promoting female leadership and the NBM's commitment to contributing to a modern, fair, and sustainable economy, in which inclusion becomes a condition for development.
Reserve management and global confidence
The NBM agenda also included participation in the OMFIF conference—the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum—on the topic of "Reserve Management in a Volatile Global Context." The event brought together governors, investors, and international experts, who discussed the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and the transition to new forms of financial security.
Participants discussed transformations in the field of reserve asset management, the balance between return and safety, and new challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence.
"Participating in such platforms gives us a global perspective on risks and opportunities, helps us calibrate internal policies, and maintain trust in our institution. In an unstable environment, cooperation becomes a form of protection," said Anca Dragu.
The conclusions of the conference, the results of OMFIF Global Public Investor 2025 (GPI 2025), and the information obtained from a series of bilateral meetings with the main central banks, will form the basis of a research report to be published in November 2025.
Diaspora – a bridge between the world's economies
The NBM delegation's visit to Washington concluded on an emotional note: a meeting with the Moldovan diaspora in the United States, organised at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova. The event highlighted the connection between the financial system and communities abroad, demonstrating that trust and belonging can transcend geographical boundaries.
The meeting emphasised that the diaspora represents a bridge between the world's economies and a source of capital and knowledge for the development of the Republic of Moldova—an important component of the country's economic and European identity.
"It is time for all those who have left to feel that their country is progressing, modernising and offering them real reasons to trust and return. Those who live and work abroad can come home with experience, ideas and investments that will contribute to the modernisation of Moldova," said Governor Anca Dragu.
Governor of the NBM featured in the official publication of the WBG–IMF Annual Meetings
Governor Anca Dragu was included in the official publication of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, in the section dedicated to central bank governors from around the world. In her message, the Governor talks about Republic of Moldova's integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) – a historic moment for the national financial system and a confirmation of the country's European path.
"The recent integration of the Republic of Moldova into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) is a historic moment for the national financial system and confirms the country's European path. This achievement eliminates administrative barriers and brings direct European standards in the daily life of people and businesses in the Republic of Moldova. It gives our citizens and businesses access to a faster, more secure, and cost-effective payment system," stated Anca Dragu in a message published in the official publication of the WBG-IMF Annual Meetings held in Washington, D.C., from 13 to 18 October 2025.
The Moldovan delegation also included officials from the Ministry of Finance. These meetings provide a platform for international dialogue on economic and financial policies and offer an opportunity to strengthen Moldova's partnerships with key global financial institutions.
