The delegation of the National Bank of Moldova, led by Governor Anca Dragu, had on Tuesday, 22 April, a series of conferences with senior officials from the World Bank Group (WBG): Eugene Rhuggenaath, WBG Executive Director for Moldova, Antonella Bassani, Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, including experts in the Financial Sector at the World Bank Group.
The joint IMF-World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) [1] was the key topic of the conferences. Through this assessment, the National Bank of Moldova aims to obtain a clear and objective picture of the financial system's performance. This will facilitate the identification of opportunities for sector reform, the implementation of international standards such as the Basel III principles, and the strengthening of the responsiveness to economic challenges.
The discussions focused on the technical assistance provided to the central bank by the World Bank, domestic economic developments and the NBM's commitment to maintain macroeconomic stability and to intervene with targeted measures to increase confidence in the banking system and bring the Republic of Moldova closer to European standards.
"We appreciate the World Bank's expert assistance mission for the support provided in areas of major importance, such as the digital financial services sector, the funding framework or bank resolution. Our combined efforts mean safe, accessible and convenient financial services for citizens", said Anca Dragu.
The Governor also appreciated the World Bank's support for the development of the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, which will play a key role in reducing economic inequality and ensuring access to financial services for all Moldovan citizens.
The agenda of the conferences included discussions with Syed Mehdi Hassan, Financial Sector Expert at the WBG, on the prospects of Moldova joining a World Bank Group financing program designed to support several countries in Europe and Central Asia in their efforts to improve financial inclusion.
The conferences also discussed the contribution and involvement of the National Bank to support Moldova in its transition to a sustainable model of economic development and to advance on the path towards EU accession.
The discussions took place during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), held on 21-26 April 2025, in Washington DC, USA. Along with the delegation of the National Bank of Moldova, representatives of the Ministry of Finance, headed by Minister Victoria Belous, participated in the meetings.