The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova Fred DUIJN: “The Forum will enhance the cooperation between our business communities and intensify commercial ties”
On the 4th and 5th of October, the first Netherlands-Moldova Business Forum is set to take place in Chisinau. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to our country, His Excellency Fred Duijn, who came to Chisinau several months ago upon the opening of the Diplomatic Mission in our country, answered questions from InfoMarket agency.
`
InfoMarket: How would you describe, generally speaking, the cooperation relations developed during the last three decades between the Republic of Moldova and the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
Fred DUIJN: Since the independence of the Republic of Moldova, cooperation between our countries has grown step by step. Last year we celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations. Initially, development was mostly on the basis of increasing people-to-people contacts. The first formal representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Moldova was by appointment of an Honorary Consul. A key moment was the signing of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union. This opened up new opportunities. Under the responsibility of the Dutch Ambassador in Bucharest, the Netherlands opened an Embassy Office in Chisinau in 2016. With a dedicated team Dutch support for good governance, rule of law and human rights intensified, for example in protecting vulnerable groups, such as the LGBTQI+ community. Moldova receiving the status of candidate country for accession to the European Union has been a further key turning point. On 19 April, the Netherlands officially opened an Embassy, thus upgrading relations to full-fledged diplomatic representation. On 4 September, President Maia Sandu paid an official visit to the Netherlands. Relations between our countries are better than ever.
InfoMarket: Considering Moldova's status as a candidate country for the European Union, how do you assess the impact of this status on business opportunities between the two countries?
Fred DUIJN: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has hurt the Republic of Moldova too. As Ukraine fights back, uncertainties for Moldova decrease. Moldova was granted a clear path towards Europe. I would like to encourage all Moldovans to embrace this opportunity in full.
Much needs to be done. European Accession requires a lot of work in many fields to make the country ready for the acquis communautaire. The reforms in the justice sector are the most important. In each member state the European Union relies upon proper functioning of the rule of law. Entrepreneurs must know that commercial conflicts can be brought in front of an independent and professional judiciary if necessary.
While preparing for its future within the European Union, in particular through fighting corruption and developing a track record of implementing the rule of law, Moldova will steadily build confidence in businesses. In such an environment trade and investment can thrive.
Moreover, the accession process offers the possibility of investments in infrastructure and other essential parts of the economy. Moldovan agriculture may benefit from the latest innovations in production and distribution. The Netherlands is competitive in this area. There will be many opportunities for cooperation.
InfoMarket: From your point of view, what are the main actions considered crucial for the Republic of Moldova to undertake, so as to facilitate development in various areas of economic interest for EU countries?
Fred DUIJN: Allow me to emphasize first that the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement already gives Moldova access to the world’s biggest market, estimated at 447 million consumers. This is not to be underestimated. My advice to Moldovan companies is to continue to take full advantage.
The Republic of Moldova can further assist creating business opportunities by supporting an enabling environment for entrepreneurs. The ambitious reform programme of the government has set many promising changes in motion. The justice reform and the fight against corruption being the most important ones.
My suggestion is to listen closely to the needs of entrepreneurs and support innovation. There is a golden triangle to be found in encouraging dialogue between academia, government and business.
InfoMarket: How did the conflict in Ukraine influence the paradigm of economic relations between the Netherlands and Moldova? Are there any opportunities for the Republic of Moldova to contribute to international supply chains or become a logistics hub, given its geographic positioning?
Fred DUIJN: The Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine has a devastating humanitarian impact and deep consequences for the global economy. Traditional trade routes and logistics chains are disrupted. Russia triggered a massive shock to the food and energy markets, created inflationary pressures, and damaged global growth. Moldova is one of the countries which has been suffering most. We are steadfast in our will to support Moldova.
Moldova is a crucial piece in the Solidarity Lanes. We see a surge in the re-export of products from Ukraine through Moldova. Moldova’s exports to the Netherlands nearly doubled in 2022, particularly due to the increases in deliveries of sunflower seed oil. More is possible once investments deliver the road and rail infrastructure needed. Logistics may become permanently important for Moldova. The country would also need to embark upon significant steps in upgrading storage facilities.
InfoMarket: With around 144 companies registered in the Netherlands that have chosen to invest in Moldova, how do you see the attractiveness of the Republic of Moldova as a destination for Dutch investors, and what are the main reasons that attract them?
Fred DUIJN: Moldova is not much of a destination for Dutch investors yet. Success in reforming the justice sector and fighting corruption will go a long way in increasing confidence. A stable fiscal environment is important too. Moldova may be considered by some as a relatively modest market; however in the European context it is not that small. A regional focus may also be interesting. Moldova has good internet connections and a developed digital economy, as can be seen at the Moldovan Innovation Technology Park. The manufacturing base in electronics is growing partly due to competitive operational costs and a skilled workforce. The agrifood sector offers opportunities in taking out inefficiencies in the supply chain. Importantly, investors will also find an established business services sector.
I am convinced that, little by little, the Dutch business community will discover Moldova as it stays on the course of implementing reforms.
InfoMarket: Given that the Netherlands – Moldova Business Forum is organized for the first time in our country, what are your expectations regarding this event and what do you think will be the main results or further benefits of it?
Fred DUIJN: The Netherlands – Moldova Business Forum is another step in the growing relations between our countries. This being a first and given the geopolitical context, the event is relatively broad in its set-up. The Forum is open to all established Dutch contacts and aims to attract the attention of Dutch companies based in the Netherlands or in the region. We want to familiarize them with Moldova by presenting them practical experiences of Dutch business engagements in Moldova and offering a dialogue with their Moldovan peers. Together they can explore possibilities for mutually beneficial projects. Also, the idea is to collect testimonials that will inspire others to discover Moldova.
InfoMarket: Who are the main participants of the Forum and what opportunities do you think the platform will offer them? Will it impact bilateral investment and trade relations between the two countries?
Fred DUIJN: The Netherlands – Moldova Business Forum will bring together representatives of the Moldovan business community and Dutch entrepreneurs. These include Dutch businesses in Moldova, Dutch businesses from Romania, as well as Dutch companies from the Netherlands.
The platform will offer the participants the possibility to familiarize themselves with current affairs in Moldova, to learn about the experience of other Dutch businesses in Moldova, to network with Moldovan officials at a dedicated Government-to-Business session, to engage with relevant representatives of the Moldovan business community at Business-to-Business sessions, to undertake field visits to Moldovan companies active in their field of interest, and others.
All in all, we hope that this event will enhance the cooperation between our business communities and intensify commercial ties. In the future, it would be wonderful to see trade missions to both countries. //22.09.2023 – InfoMarket.
