Moldova is an economy undergoing transformation, with the potential to become regionally significant - the National Bank of Moldova (NBM)
This was stated by Anca Dragu, President of the National Bank of Moldova, speaking at the Forbes Moldova Summit & Awards Gala 2026, an important annual event for the Moldovan business community, held in Chisinau. As the keynote speaker, Anca Dragu delivered a speech on economic stability, European financial integration, and Moldova's transformation into a more competitive, better connected, and more significant economy in the region. "Moldova is not a small economy. Moldova is an economy in the process of transformation, with the potential to become regionally significant. And the future doesn't just happen. The future is being built," the NBM governor stated, emphasizing that Moldova is entering a stage where stability, adaptability, and European integration are becoming central criteria for economic development. At the same time, Anca Dragu noted that the banking sector remains stable, inflation has returned to target, and the economy continues to be supported by consumption, investment, and export growth. These events confirm Moldova's ability to maintain stability and advance its economic modernization. Particular attention was paid to European financial integration through SEPA, which quickly became the primary channel for euro payments. In the first months after its launch, this infrastructure allowed Moldova to save €6.59 million, reducing transfer costs by over 90%, to an average of €1.26 per transfer, including the option of zero commission. Currently, over 70% of cross-border euro transactions are processed through SEPA. "European financial integration, modernization of digital infrastructure, and strengthening the investment climate are no longer just options, but a necessity for an economy striving to accelerate and enhance competitiveness," noted the Governor of the NBM. Anca Dragu also emphasized the role of the MIA Plăți Instant platform, which facilitates the digitalization of payments and expands access to modern financial services for individuals and businesses. The system already processes millions of transactions in real time and connects over 900,000 users, marking a significant milestone in Moldova's digital financial infrastructure. In the context of the summit's themes of competitiveness, cooperation, innovation, education, and progress, the Governor of the NBM also spoke about the importance of human capital, continuous learning, and new technologies for Moldova's transformation. The Forbes Moldova Summit & Awards Gala 2026 included panel discussions on the themes "Leading Moldova - Compete. Cooperate. Accelerate" and "Transforming Moldova - Education. Innovation. Progress," as well as networking events and a gala awards ceremony honoring companies and leaders contributing to economic development and strengthening the business environment in Moldova. The event brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, providing a platform for dialogue on key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the business environment, both nationally and in regional and global contexts. // 30.04.2026 — InfoMarket
