InfoMarket Economic News Agency morning review based on the previous business day: key news, important economic indicators and upcoming events. Available by subscription: plus@infomarket.md // +373 79 119 100 // Every day at 7 a.m. - in your inbox.
Macroeconomics
Expert-Grup estimates Moldova's GDP growth in 2026 at 1–2%: in July, retail trade increased by 9% in real terms and industrial production by 7.1%, while export growth slowed from 18.7% in June to 5.2% in July.
The NBM raised the base rate to 9% against the backdrop of inflation accelerating to 6.96% in August; Expert-Grup says inflation could rise to 9–10% and points to higher budget financing and borrowing costs.
Energy and resources
The water level in the Novodnestrovsk Reservoir fell below 111 m, compared with a normal level of about 121.5 m; at the Cosăuți water intake, the level dropped by about 23 cm in 24 hours. Water discharge from the Prut was reduced to 14 m³/s, and the authorities are preparing scenarios in case the water supply situation deteriorates further.
The energy-efficiency project at 10 national hospitals is expected to reduce energy consumption by about 41% and generate annual savings of around 2.8 million euros, with a total project budget of 72.4 million euros.
External economy and trade
Moldovan exports to the EU in January–July increased by 10.4% to 1.29 billion euros, while the EU share in total exports declined to 65.35%. Exports to Romania reached 556.7 million euros, Italy - 199 million euros, and Germany - 105.5 million euros.
Exports to CIS countries increased by 13.6% in the first 7 months to 129.1 million euros; exports to Russia rose to 61.74 million euros and to Belarus to 44.5 million euros.
Government regulation
VAT on packages valued at up to 150 euros is scheduled to take effect on November 1 - one month later than previously announced. The transition period is needed to integrate postal operators' systems with the Customs Service and online-store platforms; VAT may be collected either at the time of purchase or upon receipt.
The NCFM approved a bill to harmonize capital-market regulation with EU rules: it proposes strengthening issuer requirements and gradually increasing the maximum investor compensation to the equivalent of 20,000 euros.
Investment and projects
Modernization of the Crocmaz-Caplani-Tudora irrigation system is nearing completion: about 50 km of pipelines and 119 hydrants will make it possible to irrigate approximately 2,500 hectares and provide water access to about 60 farmers.
A tender has been announced to improve safety on 5 accident-prone sections of the R30, R6 and R3 national roads under a World Bank project; bids are accepted until November 9, 10:00 a.m.
Banking and finance
The NCFM proposed a separate legal framework for trading tokenized shares, bonds and fund units through regulator-authorized DLT infrastructures; the aim is to reduce the number of intermediaries and settlement times while maintaining investor protection.
The NBM opened consultations on updated AML/CFT recommendations for banks and non-bank payment service providers, including monitoring of high-risk and cross-border transactions, virtual assets and P2P transfers; consultations run through October 13.
Agriculture
With EU support, a national program is being prepared to modernize meat and dairy processing plants and bring them into compliance with EU standards; Croatian experts are helping develop the enterprise assessment and monitoring system through October 2.
Moldova Fruct is testing a unified "Orchard Registry" through the end of the year to record treatments, fertilization, irrigation and phytosanitary monitoring; the association is discussing its official recognition with government agencies.
Business and companies
Trans-Oil completed the installation of solar panels at the Floarea Soarelui plant in Bălți: own generation is expected to cover about 45% of the plant's electricity needs. The plant can process up to 1,300 metric tons of sunflower seeds per day.
Day in figures
1–2% — GDP growth forecast for Moldova in 2026, according to Expert-Grup. | 1.29 billion euros — Moldovan exports to the EU in January–July 2026. |
5.1 billion lei — additional tax revenue envisaged in the draft tax policy for 2027. | 400 million euros — EBRD loan limit for Energocom's gas and electricity purchases. |
72.4 million euros — total budget of the energy-efficiency project at 10 national hospitals. | 2.8 million euros — expected annual energy savings at these hospitals. |
2,500 ha — irrigated area after the Crocmaz-Caplani-Tudora system becomes operational. | 20,000 euros — proposed maximum investor compensation on the capital market. |
AGENDA
• September 30, 10:00 a.m. - Government meeting. The agenda includes Moldova's Energy Strategy for 2026–2050, the report on execution of the national public budget for the first half of 2026, establishment of the Office for the Implementation of Strategic National Infrastructure Projects, the 2027–2028 action plan for industrial development, harmonization of SME legislation, an amendment to financing for the Power System Development Project, and issues related to the development of Moldova HiTech Park.
• September 30, 2:00 p.m. - the National Bureau of Statistics will publish the main indicators and energy balance for 2025, food resource balances and food consumption data, as well as financial data for the second quarter of 2026.
• September 30, 3:30 p.m. - the Ministry of Finance will hold consultations on the draft Action Plan to reduce undeclared work in construction.
• September 30 - Moldova Business Week 2026 will feature the Moldova Global Business Services & Investment Forum, events focused on the investor-support ecosystem, and agri-food value chains.
• September 30 - the Moldova Innovation Fund, with capital exceeding 1 million euros, will be officially launched; the fund will open its first call for grant applications from early-stage technology startups.
• September 30 - the transition deadline expires for replacing TREMOL S-KL cash registers with certified devices compatible with SIA MEV.