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The European Businesswomen’s Federation (PEFA) organises, on 17 September, in Chișinău, the F.E.R.M. Romania – Republic of Moldova Economic Forum. The event is held under the auspices of the National Bank of Moldova, in strategic partnership with the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and having as a partner the Association of Romanian Investors in the Republic of Moldova and is dedicated to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting the entrepreneurial environment on both sides of the Prut River.
During the Forum, the inaugural edition of the Women's Entrepreneurship Index will be launched, a tool for analysing and monitoring women's participation and impact in the business environment, intended to provide a clear picture of the opportunities, challenges and development prospects of a country by supporting and promoting female leadership. The Index was launched for the first time in Bucharest in May 2025, as a national barometer that collects and analyses relevant data on the role and presence of women in the economy, their access to resources, financing, entrepreneurial education and decision-making.
Andreea Negru, President of PEFA, stated: "The F.E.R.M. Romania -– Republic of Moldova Economic Forum is more than just an event, it is a strategic bridge between business leaders, decision-makers and civil society from the two countries. By launching the Women's Entrepreneurship Index in Chișinău, we demonstrate that good practice models can become concrete tools for change and that women entrepreneurs have a decisive role in strengthening the economy and female leadership in the Republic of Moldova."
PEFA First Vice-President Lorena Stoian emphasises: "The development of a solid economic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is based on the active involvement of women, whose contribution is fundamental. Women play an essential role in strengthening economic relations between the two countries. The Women's Entrepreneurship Index is an important benchmark that highlights the real needs of women entrepreneurs and provides clear directions for effective public policies."
The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Anca Dragu says: "Women entrepreneurs bring not only competence and perseverance, but also a transformative vision for the economy and society and supporting women’s entrepreneurship is a powerful catalyst for economic growth and innovation. The launch of the Women's Entrepreneurship Index in Chișinău provides us with a valuable tool to better understand the realities and needs of women in business and to develop policies and initiatives that amplify their role in the economy of the Republic of Moldova."
The strategic nature of the economic cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova was also highlighted by Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Romania to the Republic of Moldova: "Over 1,700 companies with Romanian capital are present in the Republic of Moldova and invest trust and resources, provide jobs, and create opportunities for sustainable growth of the economic environment. This is the best proof that the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is one of the most important engines for the European development of the economy of the Republic of Moldova and society as a whole."
The forum will bring together representatives of the business environment, public institutions, international organisations, and civil society, providing a framework for partnerships and joint projects that will stimulate economic development and regional integration.