The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Ms Anca Dragu, participated today in the session titled "Shaping Moldova's Economic Future: Governance, Reform, and Growth Plan," an event continuing the France-Moldova Business Forum, held in Paris on 11 March 2025. The meeting, held under the high patronage of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, brought together high-level officials and investors to discuss the structural transformation of the Republic of Moldova as it moves forward on its path to European Union membership.

"By gradually aligning financial legislation with the EU acquis and effectively implementing it, the NBM has made substantial contributions to meeting the commitments made to the EU, including in the context of the Association Agreement implementation, EU macro-financial assistance, and more recently, the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova," said Ms Anca Dragu.

The Governor highlighted the strategic role of the NBM in aligning with EU standards. In this context, the National Bank is progressing in the evaluation procedure with the European Banking Authority (EBA) to achieve recognition of the equivalence of the Republic of Moldova’s prudential framework with that of the European Union.

A major success in the European integration journey is the operational joining of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on 6 October 2025. Integration into SEPA confirms the institutional capacity of the Republic of Moldova to implement complex reforms to European standards.

Additionally, Ms Anca Dragu mentioned that the NBM continues to revolutionise the payment infrastructure through the MIA Instant Payment System, already used by half of the adult population. Starting 2 March 2026, businesses will be able to make 24/7 instant B2B transfers, facilitating cash flow for SMEs.

The Governor also discussed the modernisation of the capital market through collaboration with the Bucharest Stock Exchange and the progress made by the Central Securities Depository. Recent reforms have strengthened post-trade infrastructure and advanced alignment with EU standards. At the same time, the initiative to create a new stock exchange in Chișinău, in partnership with the Bucharest Stock Exchange and local financial stakeholders, will expand financing opportunities for companies and contribute to attracting investment. The recent credit rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings (“BB-/B” with stable outlook) confirms the international community's confidence in Moldova's reforms.

In her speech, Ms Anca Dragu stressed that financial stability is an essential and non-negotiable prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive growth. Despite facing multiple shocks - geopolitical challenges, supply chain disruptions, inflationary pressures - the NBM has managed to maintain stability and strengthen its resilience through prudent policies and a disciplined monetary stance.

The Governor of the National Bank also referred to the International Monetary Fund’s forecast for 2026, which estimates GDP growth between 2.3% and 2.7%, supported by EU financing and domestic demand.

The event was organised by the Embassy of the French Republic in the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the Public Consulting Firm "Business France," the "Invest Moldova" Agency, the France-Moldova Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the "European Business Association," with the aim of strengthening economic partnerships and showcasing investment opportunities in a market that is rapidly aligning with EU standards.