Moldova needs strong international partnerships and responsible investment to ensure long-term stability and prosperity, NBM says
This was stated by Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, during the bank's delegation's participation in the Regional Economic Outlook Breakfast, organized by the IMF, a forum for dialogue between global financial leaders and international investors. According to the National Bank (NBM), the NBM delegation's visit to Washington, that took place from April 21 to 26, concluded with key discussions on reforms and investments in Moldova. During the Regional Economic Outlook Breakfast, the head of the NBM delivered a speech in which she noted the stability of Moldova's economy, its commitment to macroeconomic stability and sustainable financial reforms, and pointed out the challenges in the region. According to her, despite the uncertain geopolitical and economic context, Moldova is demonstrating that it can move forward on the path of reforms and European integration. “Strong international partnerships and responsible investment are essential to ensure long-term stability and prosperity,” said Anca Dragu. The event was attended by more than 50 leaders from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe—central bank governors, finance ministers, and senior officials—who discussed policies aimed at strengthening stability and stimulating economic growth in the region. During the visit, the NBM delegation held a series of high-level meetings with international financial institutions and strategic partners: the IMF, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, international investors, and representatives of the US Department of the Treasury, among others. The aim of these discussions was to strengthen external partnerships and address important issues for economic sustainability, inflationary pressure management, and support for Moldova's European path. One of the central topics was the implementation of the IMF-supported Program for Moldova, as well as the launch of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) at the request of the NBM, aimed at providing an objective picture of the country's financial system and facilitating the necessary reforms in line with international standards, such as Basel III. During the meetings with representatives of the US Department of the Treasury, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategic Policy Scott Rembrandt and Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Brian McCauley, issues related to strengthening international cooperation and combating money laundering and terrorist financing were discussed. The visit also included participation in a high-level debate organized by the World Bank on financial accessibility as a driver of sustainable development in Europe and Central Asia. In her speech, the head of the NBM noted Moldova's progress in the digitalization of financial services, as well as initiatives to expand access to modern financial instruments for the population. Another important aspect of the visit was the bilateral meetings with the heads of the IMF and the World Bank Group, which took place at the very beginning of the meetings. During the discussions, commitments to structural reforms were reaffirmed and Moldova's progress in maintaining macroeconomic stability was noted, as well as the central bank reform program in the context of Moldova's integration into the SEPA zone and the European community. Also in Washington, the NBM delegation took part in the meeting of the Constituent Assembly of the IMF and the World Bank, of which Moldova is a member. The leaders of the member countries analyzed the main current economic and geopolitical challenges, paying particular attention to the impact of regional conflicts and the need to strengthen international solidarity. Moldova, together with other member states of the Constituent Assembly, reaffirmed its strong support for Ukraine. The Moldovan delegation to the IMF and World Bank Group meetings was led by Finance Minister Victoria Belous and National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu. The delegation also included First Deputy Governor of the NBM Petru Rotaru and Deputy Governor of the NBM Mihnea Constantin. The Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF are an important forum for the exchange of views, ideas, and experiences in the international financial sector, providing a platform for dialogue to find solutions to regional and global economic challenges. // 29.04.2025 — InfoMarket
