AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Business: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan is in Kyiv with Moldova’s energy and infrastructure ministers for talks on trade, economic cooperation and investment, including at the Kyiv International Economic Forum. Agri-Food Investment: EIB Global is providing €150 million for Fruit Garden of Moldova II, financing equipment, storage, processing and logistics across the agricultural value chain. Healthcare Modernisation: Work has begun at two Chișinău hospitals as part of a €72.4 million programme to upgrade ten facilities and cut energy use. Gas Market: Trading volumes on Moldova’s BRM EST platform fell 72% in the first half of 2026, while prices averaged about €5/MWh above Greece’s market.

Energy: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan says commissioning Chișinău’s power substation by year-end will allow the Vulcănești–Chișinău line to operate, reduce blackout risks and avoid losing €15 million in funding. Industry: Tofan says Moldova should develop defence production, including drones and interception equipment, rather than let security threats deter investment; the site cited as a drone factory actually produces ceilings. Agriculture: The European Investment Bank is providing €150 million for Orchard II, financing upgrades to farms, processing, storage and logistics. Food production: Farmers’ association head Alexandru Slusari warns small and medium producers could face mass bankruptcies if licensing for Ukrainian grain and oilseed imports expires after October 31. Energy efficiency: Work has begun at two hospitals under a €72.4 million project to modernize 10 facilities, with expected energy savings of about 40%.

Energy Security: A Russian strike drone crashed near homes and an energy facility in Telenești district, prompting Moldova to expel a Russian embassy staffer. Energocom has also sought a 30% increase in the regulated electricity price, to 3.51 lei per kWh. Agriculture: The European Investment Bank is providing €150 million for Moldova’s Orchard II programme, supporting investment in farms, processing, storage and logistics. Farmers warn that ending licensing for Ukrainian grain imports after October 31 could drive local producers toward bankruptcy. Healthcare Efficiency: Work has begun to modernize two hospitals under a €72.4 million project covering 10 facilities; upgrades are expected to cut energy use by about 40%. Exports: Moldovan table-grape shipments have reached 17,700 tonnes, worth €13.85 million. Investment Ties: In Budapest, President Maia Sandu discussed energy cooperation and encouraged Hungarian companies to invest in Moldova.

Investment: President Maia Sandu urged Hungarian companies to invest in Moldova during talks in Budapest, which also covered energy cooperation and regional interconnections. Agri-food: The European Investment Bank will provide €150 million for Orchard II, funding upgrades across farming, food processing, storage and logistics. Farmers warn that ending Ukraine grain-import licensing after October 31 could deepen pressure on local producers already facing low prices and high transport costs. Energy: Energocom is seeking a 30% increase in the regulated electricity tariff, to 3.51 lei per kWh. Moldova also risks losing €15 million in EU funding if the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line is not operational by year-end. Public infrastructure: A €72.4 million project has begun energy upgrades at two hospitals, with work planned at 10 facilities and expected energy savings of about 40%.

Energy Security: A Russian Geran drone crashed near homes and an energy facility in Telenești district; no injuries were reported. Moldova expelled a Russian embassy employee after the incident. Hospital Modernization: Work has begun at two Chișinău hospitals under a €72.4 million programme to upgrade 10 facilities, with energy use expected to fall by about 40%. Agri-food Investment: The European Investment Bank will provide €150 million through Moldova’s Orchard II programme for farms, processing, storage and logistics. Farmers: An agricultural association warns that small and medium producers risk bankruptcy if grain-import licensing for Ukrainian produce is not extended beyond October 31. Exports: Moldova has shipped 17,700 tonnes of table grapes worth €13.85 million. Electricity Costs: Energocom is seeking a 30% increase in its regulated electricity price, while officials warn consumer tariffs could rise by as much as 15%.

Hospital Modernization: Work has begun at two hospitals under a €72.4 million project to upgrade 10 facilities, with energy use expected to fall by about 40% and annual savings estimated at €2.8 million. Agriculture Investment: The European Investment Bank will provide €150 million for Moldova’s Orchard II programme, funding upgrades from farms and processing to storage and logistics, with the aim of boosting exports and access to EU markets. Farmers’ Outlook: An agricultural association leader warns that small and medium-sized producers risk mass bankruptcies if Ukraine grain-import licensing is not extended beyond October 31, citing below-cost regional prices and high transport costs. Electricity Prices: Energocom has asked regulators to raise its regulated electricity price by about 31%, from 2.68 to 3.51 lei per kWh, citing renewable-energy costs and accumulated financial deviations.

Energy Cooperation: Moldova’s prime minister is set to discuss joint border checks, energy and infrastructure with Ukraine. Kyiv says it is ready to supply Moldova with natural gas, though prices and a deal have yet to be agreed. Energy Efficiency: Two hospitals have begun renovations under a €72.4 million programme to modernize 10 facilities and cut energy use by about 40%. Business and Tax: Parliament adopted the 2027 tax package, which raises VAT for hotels and restaurants, dividend taxes and diesel excise duties; the government expects an extra 5.1 billion lei in revenue. A separate bill passed its first reading could widen SME access to support and export financing. Infrastructure: Moldova risks losing €15 million in EU funding if the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line is not operational by year-end. Lawmakers also backed fast-tracking the proposed Strășeni–Gutinaș line and substation upgrade. Agriculture: Moldova exported nearly 17,700 tonnes of table grapes worth €13.85 million, while farmers warn they may protest over unresolved demands.

Fiscal Policy: Parliament approved Moldova’s 2027 tax package, expected to raise 5.1 billion lei. HoReCa VAT rises from 8% to 12%, dividend tax from 6% to 8%, and diesel excise by 20%; households get VAT relief on basic electricity use. Investment & Energy: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told an IMF mission that growth should come from investment, business-friendly reforms and more efficient state enterprises, not unsustainable spending. Moldova risks losing €15 million in EU funding unless the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line is energized by year-end; electricity tariffs could rise by up to 15%. Business Support: A bill to widen access to SME programs and introduce export-financing mechanisms passed its first reading. Agriculture & Logistics: Farmers threaten machinery protests by October 30, citing soaring input costs and long truck queues at Giurgiulești. Meanwhile, Moldova has exported nearly 17,700 tonnes of table grapes worth €13.85 million.

Energy: Moldova risks losing €15 million in EU funding if the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line is not energized by year-end. Meanwhile, ANRE says electricity tariffs could rise by up to 15% as import and generation costs increase. Agriculture: Farmers warn they may stage machinery protests by October 30, citing soaring input costs, weak crop prices and export bottlenecks. They are also seeking an extension of licensing rules for Ukrainian grain and oilseed imports. Exports: Moldova has shipped 17,700 tonnes of this year’s table grapes, worth €13.85 million, to 24 countries; Romania and Poland are the top markets. Transport: Moldova’s railway reported a 22.7 million lei profit in the first nine months, a turnaround from losses in 2024 and 2025 as it works to attract freight and improve operations. Energy cooperation: Moldova is discussing gas-market cooperation with Ukraine and plans to negotiate a €75 million French loan for energy-sector reforms.

Energy Transition: Moldova will negotiate a €75 million French Development Agency loan for energy reforms, including infrastructure upgrades, efficiency and renewable power. The 2027 fiscal plan would also raise the household electricity use exempt from VAT to 150 kWh a month and offer incentives for renewable-energy investment. Fuel Supply: Chișinău is seeking gas supply options with Ukraine and other potential partners as prices rise. Coal imports are down 19% year on year, with just about 130 tonnes arriving in September ahead of winter. Agriculture and Production: Moldovan tomato growers are struggling to sell a high-yield harvest, while potato prices are rising as harvest volumes fall. The Made in Moldova exhibition in January expects around 500 businesses, promoting local products and new commercial links. Investment: Germany’s ambassador has urged German companies to invest in Moldova, citing a stable environment and government openness.

Energy: Moldova imported about 77,000 tonnes of coal from January to October 18, down 19% year on year; September deliveries fell to just 130 tonnes. Electricity prices could also be adjusted as higher-cost purchases push up average procurement costs, with a decision possible after October figures are reviewed. Regional Business: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan plans to visit Ukraine to discuss gas-market cooperation, alongside energy, water and trade. Ukraine and Moldova are also preparing an energy cooperation agreement. Agriculture: Potato prices have risen as drought and lower yields cut supplies; marketable volumes could fall 10–20% this season, with further price increases expected. Domestic Production: The Made in Moldova exhibition is set for January 27–31, 2027, and expects around 500 businesses to showcase local products. Trade Links: The European Investment Bank plans new agreements to upgrade Ukraine’s border crossings with Moldova and the EU, aiming to ease the movement of goods and people.

Business Growth: Moldova reviewed progress on its 2025–27 Growth Plan with businesses and civil society, including reforms for private-sector development, connectivity and digital infrastructure; 40 measures are due by year-end. Food & Farming: Potato prices have climbed as lower yields and reduced acreage cut marketable supply by an estimated 10–20%. Prices could reach 10–12 lei/kg by February, while tomato growers are also struggling to sell a high-yield harvest. Local Manufacturing: The Made in Moldova exhibition will return to Chișinău on Jan. 27–31, 2027, bringing together about 500 businesses and offering producers a platform to find partners and new markets. Logistics: Nova Post has opened Moldova’s largest parcel-locker space, with 624 compartments near Chișinău airport. Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian export infrastructure are putting land trade routes through Moldova at greater risk. Energy: The government expects about 670,000 families to receive winter energy compensation, while the Vulcănești–Chișinău power line has entered final testing, strengthening Moldova’s link to the European electricity system.

Energy Support: About 670,000 Moldovan families could receive energy compensation this winter, up from 620,000 last year; applications open November 2. Urban Logistics: Nova Post opened Moldova’s largest parcel-locker space in Chișinău, with 624 compartments to serve residents and airport-area traffic. Agriculture: Tomato growers report unsold crops and losses despite high yields, citing limited market access and import competition; producers recommend securing supply contracts before planting. Manufacturing: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan visited clothing, automotive-wiring and asphalt factories, where employers highlighted expansion plans but said workforce shortages and administrative burdens remain challenges. Energy Infrastructure: The Vulcănești–Chișinău power line has reached final testing, promising a direct link to Romania and less reliance on the Transnistrian energy node.

Energy: Moldova’s electricity needs were fully covered from October 12–18 without emergency assistance; consumption fell 6.5% year on year, while fuel stocks stayed stable after 16,800 tonnes were imported. The Vulcănești–Chișinău power line has reached final testing and is expected to reduce reliance on the Transnistrian energy node. Economic Outlook: An IMF mission will visit Chișinău on October 21–28 to review economic conditions and policy priorities as Moldova faces fiscal pressure and high borrowing costs. Manufacturing: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan visited clothing, automotive-wiring and asphalt factories, where producers cited expansion plans but flagged workforce shortages and administrative burdens. Agriculture: The EBRD is providing €102.9 million for irrigation infrastructure, with the EU also supporting its modernization. Connectivity: Moldova is advancing plans for links to Romania’s A8 motorway, a new Ungheni bridge and European-gauge rail between Ungheni and Chișinău to improve access to EU markets and cut logistics costs.

Education Investment: Around 50 Chisinau schools are benefiting from more than 1.1 billion lei for renovations, equipment and energy-efficiency upgrades. Wine Industry: Moldova set a Guinness record at National Wine Day, with 493 people forming a giant grapevine to showcase the country’s winemaking heritage. Manufacturing: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan visited clothing, automotive-wiring and asphalt producers, where businesses highlighted expansion plans and the challenge of finding workers. Transport Links: Moldova is advancing road and rail connections to Romania, including links to the A8 motorway, a new bridge at Ungheni and European-gauge rail. Energy: The Chisinau substation is undergoing final tests as the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line nears completion; Moldova is also exploring long-term U.S. LNG supplies. Agriculture: The EBRD approved €102.9 million for irrigation upgrades, while a proposed Japanese-backed project would modernize access to farm machinery. Startups: Moldova’s ecosystem was named Europe’s fastest-growing, with its global ranking rising eight places.

Manufacturing: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan visited clothing, automotive-wiring and asphalt factories in Fălești and Ungheni. Companies cited export opportunities, worker shortages and the need to cut red tape. Transport: Moldova is prioritizing links to Romania’s A8 motorway, an Ungheni bridge and European-gauge rail to Chișinău, aiming to join European corridors and reduce logistics costs. Energy: Final tests are under way at Chișinău’s substation for the 400-kV Vulcănești–Chișinău power line. Moldova is also exploring US LNG supplies to diversify gas imports. Agriculture: The EBRD is providing €102.9 million to rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure, while a Japan-backed project will support agricultural machinery and irrigation upgrades. Startups: Moldova’s ecosystem recorded Europe’s fastest growth in the 2026 Startup Ecosystem Index, rising eight places to 82nd worldwide.