Government of Republic of Moldova

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

New Economic Diplomacy

 
"New Economic Diplomacy"

Economic diplomacy is of substantial importance for the foreign policy of the Republic of Moldova. The mission of the MFAEI is to develop and continuously enhance its efforts to promote the national economic interests of the Republic of Moldova by attracting foreign investment, promoting exports and Moldovan tourism.

In 2017, the MFAEI, together with the national partner institutions, have paid an increased attention to concentrating efforts for the implementation of the economic diplomacy objectives. Following the signing of the Joint MFAEI - MEI Order (No.26 of 23.02.17 and no.144-b-12 of 20.02.17), a Joint Working Group has been created, which is meeting systematically to discuss the priorities and objectives of the Government in the field of Economic Diplomacy, including regarding the geographical distribution of the trade/commercial bureau (CB) within the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova abroad.  At the moment, we have 12 commercial offices within the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova abroad (Romania, Ukraine, Russian Federation, Belarus, China, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates). In 2020, three more commercial offices were created within diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova in UK, Austria, and France.

At the same time, with a view to optimizing and streamlining the activity of CB, a guide for the commercial attaché was developed, as well as an operational network (diploecon.moldova@mfa.gov.mdmd) was launched, as an effective informational support for diplomatic missions and consular offices (MDOC).

Another important development is the signing of the MAEIE-MEI-AI Memorandum that initiates the practice of organizing annual courses and training programs in the field of economic diplomacy for the representatives of the diplomatic corps of the Republic of Moldova abroad. The first edition of the event took place in September 2017.

Within the MFAEI, the Economic Diplomacy Service was established, whose mandate is the implementation of economic diplomacy as foreign policy component, and also to ensure the efficient inter-institutional and diplomatic missions’ cooperation. Contact details: sde@mfa.gov.md

Economic Diplomacy Objectives

Economic Diplomacy is one of the main components of the foreign policy of the Republic of Moldova, aiming at defending and promoting national economic interests across the country, thus contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the Republic of Moldova.

In the context of globalisation and the accelerated dynamics of international processes, the basic priority of Moldova's Economic Diplomacy is to support the economic development of the state through the integration of the country's economy into the international system of economic relations, attracting investment and promoting exports.

Traditionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic Missions has a decisive role to play in achieving the objectives of economic diplomacy. These are elaborated taking into account the provisions of the Moldovan normative acts as well as the international practices, including Government Programs, Export Promotion and Investment Promotion Strategy, EU-Moldova Association Agreement, other decisions, provisions and indications: are:

  • Promoting the economic interests of the Republic of Moldova abroad;
  • Attracting foreign investment and new technologies to the national economy;
  • Promoting the economic image favorable to the country;
  • Attracting foreign economic assistance;
  • Developing collaboration with international economic organizations;
  • Optimising the cooperation of the MFAEI with the national governmental institutions in order to successfully implement the objectives of the Economic Diplomacy. This includes actions such as:
  • Strengthening the institutional capacities of the MFAEI and Diplomatic Missions based on the principles of professionalism and transparency.
  • Extending the presence of trade offices (commercial bureau) within the Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Moldova.
  • Optimising the external economic action through the creation of all the necessary mechanisms and instruments to promote our country's economy abroad.
  • Promoting Economic Diplomacy with Honorary Consuls of the Republic of Moldova Abroad.


Taking into account the national strategic objective of fortification of the economic diplomacy, following the institutional reform in 2017, the Economic Diplomacy Service was created within MFAEI, that is also part of the Common Working Group MFAEI-MEI. Also, in November 2016 was launched the Operational Network for Information Support for diplomatic missions and consular offices, which includes members of the main national authorities and institutions responsible for foreign trade activity of the Republic of Moldova (Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture and Industry Food, MIEPO and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova, etc).

Further detailed information contact: diploecon.moldova@mfa.gov.md.

Economic Diplomacy Priorities

Promoting the economic interests of the Republic of Moldova abroad

The State policy on foreign economic relations, aiming at the continuous integration of the country into the world economy and assuring the support of the economic growth, will focus primarily on the development of the following priority directions:

• Promoting foreign trade, with export promotion priority;
• Attracting investment and new technologies in the national economy;
• Attracting external economic assistance;
• Promoting the favorable economic and investment image of the country. Promoting foreign trade and exports;

The main purpose is to promote domestic goods and services on foreign markets in a manner aimed at reducing the trade deficit and, respectively, balancing foreign trade. To achieve these goals, the main activities in the field will be oriented towards:

• Strengthening and deepening with foreign countries the legal framework on trade and economic relations, including Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Agreements, Agreements on avoiding double taxation and on preventing the income and capital tax evasion, etc.;
• Promoting the products of high potential export sectors in the country, identifying strategic export markets and facilitating access to domestic markets for these products;
• Facilitating and assisting foreign partners’ participation at fairs and exhibitions in the country, as well as the participation of national economic agents in similar international level;
• Organising business missions and proving informational support to economic agents;
• Expanding and benefiting from the facilities offered by legal arrangements with the EU, Switzerland, Japan, Canada and the US, as well as within the WTO;


Attracting foreign investments and new technologies to the national economy

Attracting foreign investments and new advanced technologies undoubtedly can contribute to the creation of new profitable productive sectors for the Republic of Moldova. A sizable increase in foreign investment will help in restoring national basic growth drivers by cardinal renewal of fixed assets and the implementation of advanced technologies, massive new jobs creation, science revitalization, increased education and science level, etc., thus contributing to maintaining and accelerating growth rate.

The priority objective of the Economic Diplomacy in the field of investments is to contribute to the significant increase and maintain the high level the volume of foreign investments. The achievement of this objective includes the following elements:

• Contributing to the creation of the regulatory and institutional framework necessary for investment activities, in accordance with the international law principles and norms;
• Negotiating and concluding with bilateral countries bilateral agreements on mutual promotion and protection of investments;
• Creating a system for storing investment projects in the Republic of Moldova and promoting Moldovan investment projects in the public and private sector abroad;
• Promoting an attractive image of the Republic of Moldova as a destination of the investment flows at the country, region, economic branch level and informing the investors about the investment opportunities within them;
• Providing informational services to foreign investors;
• Organising the country's participation in international programs containing components related to foreign investment;
• Contributing to the implementation in the country of a mechanism for monitoring the foreign investment flows according to international practices;
• Providing the necessary support for the creation, by national economic agents, of partnerships with foreign companies to attract direct investments in order to improve their professional skills and technologies.


Promoting the economic image of the country

One of the main components of Economic Diplomacy is the promotion of a favourable economic image of the Republic of Moldova, which plays an indispensable role in achieving external economic performance. It can be said that there is a direct correlation between the level of promotion of the image of the country and the volume of foreign trade, as well as the volume of attracted investments. Namely active promotion of a favourable image of the country will lead to the achievement of expected political and economic results such as:

• Ensuring the credibility of the Republic of Moldova as a state where investments are secured by risks and can be placed in profitable and sustainable economic activities;
• Ensuring the attractiveness of the Republic of Moldova as a destination for the investment flows at the country, region, economic branch level and informing investors about the investment opportunities within them;
• Promoting the image of the Republic of Moldova as a country producing qualitative goods and with increased tourist potential.

Taking into consideration the current political and economic situation, concrete measures will be taken to actively and continuously inform internationally the Moldovan entity in a favourable manner to the country, such as:

• Implementing various promotional measures;
• Organising business missions;
• Organise National country days abroad and thematic presentations;
• Promoting the country's image in the mass media sources abroad;
• Distributing advertising materials about the country's economic potential through Diplomatic Missions, national competent institutions and business community in foreign countries.

Attracting foreign economic assistance

An important objective of the Economic Diplomacy is to identify, negotiate and attract external financial assistance in order to achieve the country's national economic development priorities. Particular attention will be paid to attracting non-reimbursable external financial assistance in the form of grants and the implementation of specific technical assistance programs. At the same time, the possibility of obtaining foreign credits for government and commercial credits on advantageous conditions, destined for the re-building, restructuring and developing of the industry, diversification of production, revitalization of the national productive complex, etc. will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring the country's participation in various assistance programs (TACIS, PHARE, USAID, AIDS, etc.) with the subsequent benefit of technical assistance from foreign donors.

Developing collaboration with international economic organisations

The efficiency of the commercial diplomacy on a multilateral level aims at deepening the relations between the Republic of Moldova and the international economic bodies in order to influence and promote the national interests with greater efficiency. Making full use of the opportunities offered to the Republic of Moldova as a member of the world, European and regional organizations will remain a priority of the Multilateral Economic Diplomacy. Thus, the objectives of multilateral economic diplomacy aim at:

• Promotion of national economic interests within International and Regional Economic Organisations such as: the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the World Trade Organization, the Economic Cooperation and Development Organisation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the World Customs Organization, etc.
• Fully capitalising on the participation of the Republic of Moldova in the international, European and regional economic organisations by formulating proposals for increasing the efficiency.
• Monitoring the financial commitments of the Republic of Moldova within all the international bodies to which is a member.
• Optimising the participation of Moldovan delegations in the International Economic and Investment Forums.
• Encourage cross-border cooperation through the provision of the necessary support to joint projects with other countries.


Optimising MFAEI cooperation on economic lines with national government institutions

The successful achievement of the objectives of the Economic Diplomacy depends to a great extent on the level of interaction between the MFAEI and the national institutions. In this respect, MFAEI is constantly pleading for close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Finance, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Moldova Investment and Export Promotion Organization through the following actions:

• Effective implementation of Common Order no. 144-b-12 of February 20, 2017 regarding the economic diplomacy priorities;
• Establishing an efficient collaboration system within the Joint Working Group MFAEI-MEI-MIEPO;
• Cooperation with the governmental institutions in order to elaborate proposals on the Republic of Moldova's policy in the field of commercial-economic cooperation, in accordance with the Government Program and the international multilateral and bilateral commitments assumed;
• Coordinating the activity of the Moldovan governmental institutions in drafting and presenting investment projects, organising trade missions and exhibitions of Moldovan products, facilitating and establishing business contacts with foreign partners;
• Coordinating and jointly finalizing the position of the Republic of Moldova within economic organizations;
• Assisting the institutions of the Republic of Moldova on developing their foreign economic relations, by drafting opinions, position-papers, sending instructions or requesting the necessary information from Moldovan Diplomatic Missions;
• Coordinating the participation of Moldovan delegations to different economic and investment events;
• Monitoring and coordinating the activities of organizations that undertake activities to promote exports of goods and services, attract foreign investment, shape the image of the country, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Moldovan Investment and Export Promotion Organisation, business unions and associations of national producers, etc.


Implementation of the economic diplomacy objectives of MFAEI and Diplomatic Missions

The objectives of the Economic Diplomacy are promoted by the Economic Diplomacy Service of the MFAEI and the Moldovan Diplomatic Missions abroad. EDS portfolio is to implement foreign policy by promoting national economic objectives of our country, and to ensure an effective framework for institutional cooperation with diplomatic missions and consular offices (MDOC). Also, the representatives of the Service are members of the Joint inter-institutional working group on economic diplomacy.

The Practical Role in the Promotion of Economic Diplomacy rests with the Diplomatic Missions having the following tasks:

1. Promoting economic and export cooperation. Promote economic dialogue with state and private institutions abroad in order to raise awareness of them in economic and commercial decision making towards the RM; Identifying the ways and mechanisms for the effective promotion of bilateral and multilateral economic relations.

2. Supporting the establishment of commercial-economic cooperation by providing the necessary support for the creation of Bilateral Associations, Trade Centers, etc. in the country of residence and accreditation states.

3. Facilitate the extension of the bilateral legal framework in the commercial-economic field by identifying the opportunities for negotiating preferential agreements in the interest of the Republic of Moldova.

4.Initiating and participating in the negotiation process of governmental agreements.

5. Develop an analysis of the economic potential of the country of residence in order to determine the strategy and tactics of action on the economic line.

6. Develop a calendar / action plan to promote economic interests.

7. Organisation and participation in meetings of Joint Commissions, other bilateral economic bodies.

8. Providing informational support in the country of residence and accreditation on the course of economic reforms in the Republic of Moldova, optimization of the legal framework in the field, presentation of investment climate, promotion of investment projects, tenders and public auctions that take place in the Republic of Moldova.

9. Informing the economic agents and the interested institutions from the accreditation countries about the economic events envisaged in the Republic of Moldova (specialized exhibitions, fairs, seminars, conferences). 10. Studying the experience of foreign countries in promoting the economic dimension.

11. Elaboration of relevant economic information for the business community of the Republic of Moldova, including synthesis and analysis on the economy of the country of residence states, fiscal, macroeconomic developments, etc.

12. Supporting and consulting Moldovan business representatives on the foreign market requirements.

13. Assistance in establishing partnership relations between state-owned companies and economic agents in the Republic of Moldova and the business environment of the country of residence.

14. Organizing and participating at different promotional events and activities aimed at promoting domestic products on foreign markets, including "Moldova Presents", "Made in Moldova", Businessmen Missions, etc. Developing proposals on the organization of the economic events opportunities.

15. Participation in economic events, exhibitions, conferences, fairs, seminars, organized by the specialized institutions and the business environment of the country of residence with the subsequent information of the MFAEI and the local business environment.

16. Consolidating the efforts to support and increase exports of goods and services on new markets.

17. Gather information on potential outlets in order to inform the interested national business representatives.

18. Promote principles and agreements to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, barriers to investment according to the rules and principles of the World Trade Organization.

19. Disseminate commercial-economic information of interest to the business community of the country of residence.

20. Developing and updating systematically a "Business Guideline" that would include information on the economy and business environment of the country of residence or accreditation, plus other useful information for the business community of the Republic of Moldova.

21. Attracting foreign investments in the Republic of Moldova by informing the business community about the business and investments climate in the Republic of Moldova, as well as about the main areas of the Moldovan economy where investments are needed.

22. Promoting abroad different investment projects in the Republic of Moldova. 

The activity of trade and economic representatives within the Diplomatic Missions will be reflected in the quarterly and early reports, as well as on the MFAEI request. All the economic correspondence of the Diplomatic Missions at the working level will be carried out with the MFAEI.

Strengthening the institutional capacities of MFAEI and Diplomatic Missions on an economic level

The signing of the MFAEI-ME-MIEPO Memorandum in July 2017, initiated the practice of organizing courses and annual training programs in Chisinau in the field of economic diplomacy for representatives of the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova. The signing of the document is part of the actions established in the Common Order no. 144-b-12 of February 20, 2017, regarding the achievement of the economic diplomacy priorities, optimization and capacity building of the commercial-economic offices (departments) in the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova abroad, as well as their interaction with the public authorities.

Extending the presence of commercial-economic offices (departments) within the Diplomatic Missions of the Republic of Moldova

Taking into account the national strategic objective of strengthening economic diplomacy, the Moldovan Government is making efforts to support Moldovan diplomatic missions and to expand the presence of commercial and economic offices in order to enhance the efficiency of their work in promoting the image of the country, and to attract investments. Currently, Economic Commercial Offices have been set up in: Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, China, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy. Also, the openings of other Offices in countries of strategic interest for domestic exporters are foreseen in the next period of time.

Legal Framework
  • The Republic of Moldova’s legal framework

- GD no. 511 of 25.04.2016 "On the approval of the National Strategy for Investments Attraction in Export Promotion and Promotion for 2016-2020" (SNAIPE);

- Common Order no. 144-b-12 of February 20, 2017 regarding the achievement of the priorities of the economic diplomacy, optimization and efficiency of the commercial-economic offices (departments) in the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova abroad, as well as their interaction with the public authorities;

-The Regulation of the International Economic Relations Division;

- Economic Attaché  Guide of the Republic of Moldova 2018;

  • International legal framework

-          World  Trade organization  jurisprudence, https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/publications_e/ai17_e/ai17_e.htm   

 

Economic Diplomacy in Action

Promoting export and investment in Republic of Moldova

The economic policy in the field of investment attraction and export promotion is closely linked to growth based on innovation and investment and is based on factors such as increasing business competitiveness, facilitating technology transfer, creating new jobs and stimulating external trade.

For more information, please visit http://www.invest.gov.md/en/investment-guide

General overview of the main economic sectors of Republic of Moldova

  • Agriculture and Food Processing

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/2019_Food%20Processing%20%26%20Li  vestock%20overview%20Brochure_0.pdf

  • ICT

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/2019_ICT%20%26%20BPO%20overview%20Brochure_0.pdf

  • Electronics

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/2019_Electronics%20overview%20Brochure_0.pdf

  • Renewable Energy

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/4.%20Renewable%20Energy%20Sector%20overview%202019.pdfTextila, http://www.invest.gov.md/ro/sectors/textile

  • Livestock and Food Processing

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/2019_Food%20Processing%20Catalogue.pdf

  • Real Estate Fundamentals

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/2019_RE%20Fundamentals%20Brochure.pdf

  • TAFL

http://www.invest.gov.md/sites/default/files/2019_TAFL%20overview%20Brochure_0.pdf

Profile Institutions

Investment Agency http://invest.gov.md/ro

Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure  https://mei.gov.md/