Swiss-Moldova Mixed Economic Commission in Chisinau
Moldova might be one of Europe’s best kept secrets for trade and investment. The country lies on the border of the EU making it a favourable near-sourcing destination. It has a growing network of free trade agreements, most recently, a free trade agreement with EFTA concluded in 2023. The country is working to align its regulatory framework with EU requirements. The government is business-friendly, dynamic and accessible to foreign companies. Its sectors, including agribusiness, machine-building, ITC and textiles align well with those of the Swiss economy. There are favourable conditions for foreign companies from special economic zones to attractive tax laws. Moldova has a highly-educated, young population and a competitive salary structure.
The country’s business-friendly, “can-do spirit” was on display during the Mission to Moldova headed by Ms. Helena Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs (SECO) on September 1 and 2, 2024. The mission took place on the occasion of the 8th Joint Economic Commission Moldova-Switzerland.
Ms. Budliger Artieda was accompanied by Ms. Andrea Rauber-Saxer, Ambassador, Head of Federal Department of Economic Affairs, SECO who co-chaired the Mixed Commission with State Secretary Cristina Cuban, Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation of the Republic of Moldova. Also in the delegation were Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine and Moldova Mr. Felix Baumann, Mr. Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office and Representative of the Swiss Embassy in Moldova. The Swiss private sector was represented by Peter Flückiger, Director, Swiss Textiles Association and Dorit Sallis, Managing Director, Joint Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus JCC.
After official meetings, the delegation had the chance to interact informally with Mr. Dumitru Alaiba, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova and State Secretary Ceban. There was also a meeting with members of the Foreign Investors Association of Moldova where foreign companies operating in the country could share their experiences with the delegation.
The delegation departed with a very positive impression of Moldova for business. It’s a country that deserves a second look for Swiss and European countries interested to reconstitute key links of their supply chains closer to home.
