AGP Executive Report

Food Businesses: Moldova plans to let small, low-risk producers start operating by notifying the food safety agency, and is preparing rules for selling some homemade products. Agriculture: Farmers could access up to $55 million in Japanese-backed financing for machinery, irrigation and storage; separately, a €102.9 million EBRD loan will support irrigation upgrades. MOLDAGROTECH and FARMER 2026 opened in Chișinău with more than 400 exhibitors showcasing equipment and farm technologies. Skills and Industry: An €80 million programme will renovate 47 buildings at 25 vocational institutions, including workshops, laboratories and dormitories. Energy: Moldova is pursuing $52 million to improve public-building energy efficiency, while lawmakers are advancing national public-utility status for the Strășeni–Gutinaș power line and substation upgrade. Exports: The goods trade deficit reached €4.42 billion in the first eight months of 2026, despite exports rising 9.3%; a Moldovan artisanal cheese entrepreneur was also named among FAO’s 100 remarkable women in agrifood.

Trade: Moldova’s goods deficit widened to €4.42 billion in January–August. Exports rose 9.3% to €2.24 billion, but imports nearly tripled that total, led in part by energy. Agriculture: Farmers can access up to $55 million in Japanese-backed financing for machinery, irrigation, digital tools and storage, with loans repaid by farmers at 3.2%. A separate €102.9 million EBRD loan will upgrade irrigation infrastructure. Energy: Parliament is moving to fast-track the 400 kV Strășeni–Gutinaș line and substation works, a project backed by a $130 million US financing commitment to strengthen links with Romania. Business Costs: A planned $52 million World Bank-backed program will improve public-building efficiency, targeting at least 20% energy savings per renovated building. Food Production: Small producers in low-risk sectors could start operating by notifying food-safety authorities, while new rules would allow some home-made products to be sold legally. Workforce: Eight companies will receive grants and expert support to introduce workplace childcare and family-friendly policies.

Farm Modernization: Moldova approved talks on a Japan-backed project offering up to $55 million for agricultural machinery. Farmers would repay the loans at 3.2% over 20 years, with a six-year grace period. Energy Security: Moldova and Ukraine are preparing an agreement on gas transport, electricity imports and fuel transit ahead of winter. The U.S.-backed, $130 million Straseni–Gutinas power line is also advancing to strengthen links with Romania. EU Market Access: Moldova opened negotiations on two accession clusters covering the internal market and competitiveness, bringing 24 of 33 chapters into play. Reforms could improve access to the EU market and support investment and jobs. Agriculture Infrastructure: The EBRD is providing €102.9 million to modernize irrigation, while Ukraine has agreed to increase water releases into the Dniester by about 20% amid low river flows.

Energy Security: Moldova and Ukraine are preparing an energy cooperation deal covering gas transit, electricity imports and faster fuel deliveries; Ukraine also agreed to raise water flows from the Dniester by about 20%. Power Links: Moldova and the U.S. are advancing the $130 million Straseni–Gutinas line, which will connect the country more closely to Romania’s power system and diversify supply. EU Market Access: Moldova opened 17 more accession chapters, bringing 24 of 33 into negotiations. The reforms cover industry, taxation, digital services and the internal market, with potential gains in investment and export access. Agriculture: The EBRD is providing €102.9 million for irrigation upgrades, including work expected to serve about 6,900 hectares and additional funding for priority systems. Business Infrastructure: Moldexpo has proposed a multi-purpose exhibition and business park, but financing and the legal framework are still undecided.

EU Integration: Moldova has opened negotiations on the internal market and competitiveness clusters, bringing 24 of 33 accession chapters into play. The reforms cover industry, taxation, digital transformation and employment, with EU officials saying progress could attract investment and create jobs. Energy Infrastructure: The US-backed €130 million Trump Liberty Line project would add a 400-kilovolt connection between Moldova and Romania, strengthening electricity links. Agriculture: The EBRD has signed a €102.9 million loan to modernize irrigation, with the first phase set to serve about 6,900 hectares and 300 farmers. Workforce: A planned €80 million investment will upgrade vocational schools, including workshops and dormitories, to train specialists for sectors such as agriculture, construction and energy. Business Outlook: The IMF forecasts Moldova’s growth at 1.5% in 2026 and 2.3% in 2027, while ANRE says an electricity tariff increase is inevitable but has not set a date or amount.

EU Market Access: Moldova opened 17 more accession negotiation chapters covering the internal market and competitiveness, bringing the total to 24 of 33. The reforms affect business access to EU markets, investment and financial services. Energy Costs: ANRE says an electricity price increase is inevitable, though its size and timing remain unknown — a concern for households and businesses. Economic Outlook: The IMF cut its 2027 growth forecast to 2.3% and expects inflation to reach 9%, adding pressure to companies already facing high costs. Agriculture: The EBRD is lending Moldova €102.9 million to rehabilitate irrigation systems serving nearly 7,000 hectares, with EU and national funding also supporting the work. Skills and Industry: A planned €80 million investment will renovate 47 vocational-school buildings, including workshops and dormitories, to train workers for agriculture, food production, construction, energy and IT. Transnistrian Industry: Industrial output in the region fell 25% from 2024 levels in the first eight months of 2026, while exports dropped 17% year on year.

Industrial Outlook: Industry in separatist-controlled Transnistria continued to contract: exports fell 17% in the first eight months of 2026, while industrial production was 25% below 2024 levels. Skills and Investment: Moldova plans to invest €80 million in 25 vocational schools, renovating 47 buildings and upgrading workshops to train workers for agriculture, construction, energy and other sectors. Construction: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan met construction firms to discuss stalled projects, slow permits and ways to increase housing supply and investment. New Manufacturing: The government plans legislative changes to enable domestic drone production for uses including air defence, search and rescue, traffic monitoring and agriculture. Agriculture: Moldagrotech and Farmer 2026 open in Chișinău on October 15, bringing more than 400 exhibitors and over 1,000 units of machinery and technology. EU Market Access: Moldova is opening EU accession talks on the internal market and competitiveness, advancing negotiations with implications for businesses and trade.

EU Accession: Moldova is set to open negotiations today on the EU’s internal market and competitiveness clusters, bringing rules on trade, industry and investment into focus. Drone Manufacturing: Parliament plans legal changes to enable domestic drone production, including for agriculture, rescue and airspace protection, and to allow private firms and foreign investors to participate. Farm Technology: Moldagrotech and Farmer 2026 open in Chișinău on October 15–18, with more than 400 exhibitors showcasing over 1,000 machines and technologies. Skills Investment: An €80 million project will renovate 47 buildings at 25 vocational institutions, training workers for sectors including agriculture, food production and construction. Construction: Companies have urged the government to speed up permits and unblock stalled property projects, some worth hundreds of millions of lei. Fruit Exports: Around 90% of Moldovan fruit is exported, with European and Gulf supply chains now key markets and India and Israel taking growing volumes.

Dairy Production: Domestic farms now produce nearly three times more milk than five years ago, but still meet only about 60% of demand. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan discussed investment and processing needs with farmers and dairy producers. Grain Trade: Farmers are urging the government to extend grain and oilseed import licensing through year-end, warning that disrupted Ukrainian exports and heavy border traffic threaten local growers and prices. Energy & Infrastructure: Moldova will continue energy-bill compensation this winter, with more households potentially eligible as prices rise. Separately, the EU and EBRD are providing about €130 million to modernize irrigation systems. Industrial Development: Parliament approved a draft allowing public institutions to establish industrial parks, while Moldova Railways plans a 15% freight-tariff increase from November 1.

Dairy Production: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan met milk producers and processors in Glodeni and Rîșcani, calling for more productive farms and local processing. Farm milk output has nearly tripled in five years to 64,000 tonnes, but domestic production still meets only about 60% of demand. Freight Costs: Moldova Railway will raise freight tariffs by 15% from November 1, citing higher oil-product costs; grain shipments remain a priority. Industrial Parks: Parliament approved a draft allowing public institutions to initiate industrial parks, opening a new route to support investment and production. Irrigation: The EU and EBRD are providing about €130 million to modernize irrigation infrastructure, supporting agricultural output.

Energy Efficiency: More than 3,300 Moldovan households used EU-backed EcoVouchers to replace old refrigerators and washing machines with efficient models, with vouchers covering up to 70% of the cost. Logistics: Moldova’s railway will raise freight tariffs by 15% from November 1 as fuel costs climb; grain transport will remain a priority for the state operator. Investment Climate: Prime Minister Vasile Tofan told business leaders the government wants to make Moldova a more attractive base for companies serving EU and regional markets. Parliament also approved a measure allowing public institutions to initiate industrial park projects. Agriculture: About €130 million in EU and EBRD support is set to modernize irrigation infrastructure, while a Moldovan engineer has patented packaging made from fruit and vegetable waste. Innovation: Moldova’s national robotics team won gold as part of the FIRST Global Challenge’s winning alliance, along with two silver medals for robot design and innovation.

Technology & Skills: Moldova’s ENIGMA student team joined the winning alliance at the FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea, earning gold plus two silver medals for robot design and innovation. Freight & Logistics: Moldova’s railway will raise freight tariffs 15% from November 1, citing higher fuel costs; grain shipments remain a priority. Trade Operations: Two Chișinău customs posts will open daily, including weekends, through year-end in a pilot aimed at giving businesses more flexibility. Energy Costs: September inflation reached 8.6% year on year, with monthly prices up 1.7%; a 40.8% jump in natural-gas prices drove most of the increase. Industry & Investment: Parliament approved a bill allowing public institutions to initiate industrial parks. Moldova is also seeking more U.S. investment in energy, infrastructure, technology and logistics, while a U.S.-funded Romania interconnector and €130 million in EU–EBRD irrigation support promise upgrades to key infrastructure.

Freight and Logistics: Moldova’s railway will raise freight tariffs by 15% from November 1, citing higher oil costs, while keeping grain shipments a priority. Two Chișinău customs posts will also open on weekends through year-end in a pilot aimed at giving businesses more flexibility. Investment and Energy: President Maia Sandu urged U.S. companies to invest in Moldova’s energy, infrastructure, technology and logistics sectors. A U.S.-funded power line to Romania is among the projects intended to strengthen energy security. Industry: Parliament approved rules allowing public institutions to initiate industrial parks, widening the scope for developing production sites and related infrastructure. Costs and Agriculture: September inflation reached 8.6% year on year, with natural gas prices up 40.8% from August. Moldova’s 25th National Wine Day drew 114 wineries and recorded nearly 117,000 tastings, a boost to the country’s wine profile and tourism.

Investment: President Maia Sandu urged U.S. companies to invest in Moldova’s energy, infrastructure, technology and logistics sectors, highlighting the country’s potential as a base for work on Ukraine’s reconstruction. Freight: Moldova’s railway will raise cargo tariffs by 15% from November 1, citing higher fuel costs; grain transport will remain a priority. Business Services: Two Chisinau customs posts will open daily, including weekends, through December as part of a pilot to give companies more flexibility with shipments. Costs: September inflation reached 8.6% year on year, with natural gas prices surging 40.8% from August and driving much of the monthly increase. Industry and Agriculture: Parliament approved rules allowing public institutions to launch industrial parks, while about €130 million in EU and EBRD financing is planned to modernize irrigation. Wine: National Wine Day drew 114 wineries and recorded 116,880 tastings, its highest total yet, with visitors from more than 70 countries.

Prices and Energy: Annual inflation reached 8.6% in September, with a 40.8% monthly surge in natural-gas prices driving costs higher. The EU is exploring support for Moldova and plans to encourage other donors to contribute. Trade and Logistics: Two Chișinău customs posts will open on weekends through year-end in a pilot aimed at giving businesses more flexibility in clearing goods. Industrial Development: Parliament approved rules allowing public institutions to initiate industrial parks, widening options for developing production sites and infrastructure. Agriculture and Innovation: An engineer from Chișinău patented biodegradable food packaging made from fruit and vegetable waste; she plans to establish production after commercial testing. The EU and EBRD are also set to provide €130 million to modernize irrigation infrastructure. Wine and Tourism: National Wine Day drew a record 114 wineries and logged 116,880 tastings, while Chișinău’s BERD’S Hotel became the first in Moldova featured in Forbes Travel Guide’s Curated Collection.

Industrial Parks: Parliament approved a law allowing public institutions to establish and administer industrial parks, widening access to existing infrastructure and clarifying funding and state-aid rules. Agri-Food Innovation: Chișinău engineer Olga Fedorova patented biodegradable food packaging made from fruit and vegetable waste; commercial testing is under way, with plans for local production. Rail Logistics: Lawmakers also approved the reorganization of the state-owned Railway of Moldova by the end of 2026. Energy: Expert Sergiu Tofilat urged clear gas-buying rules, including price limits and risk-management tools, to reduce exposure to market swings. Moldova has completed 68% of its EU energy-chapter actions, with electricity-market integration work continuing. Trade and Investment: Moldova-Turkey trade reached $638.7 million in the first half of 2026, up nearly 13% year on year; exports rose 36%, and the countries discussed potential Turkish investment in renewable energy. Agriculture: The EU and EBRD are providing about €130 million to modernize Moldova’s irrigation infrastructure.