Project title: Investment Attractiveness of Moldova: a Regional Approach;
Implementation period: January 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010;
Funded by: Soros Foundation – Moldova, Good Governance Program;
Project goal: Assess the evolutions and the current investment climate of Moldovan regions and evaluate the investment potential and attractiveness of different regions with a view of formulating policy and technical recommendations promoting the economic development of Moldovan regions;
Main activities:
- Analyzed national policy of regional development, with the purpose of identifying and assessing the investment promotion tools;
- Collected and analyzed statistical data on economic, social and infrastructure development at local level;
- Developed and applied tools for collection of additional data, including survey of 10 largest companies in each district, 5 commercial banks, 3 largest agricultural companies, NGOs;
- Conducted study visits in 28 of the 36 regional units in Moldova, with the purpose of collecting data and interviewing key regional and local policymakers;
- SWOT analysis conducted for all regional units in Moldova, leading to identification of the most promising investment sectors;
- Prepared and published Investment Profiles for all 3 Development Regions (Center, North, South) and the National Study of Investment Attractiveness of Moldovan regions;
- Presented and discussed the project results at a national roundtable organized on 6 of August 2010;
Main outputs and outcomes:
- Policy Study “Investment attractiveness of the Moldovan regions”, with a specific set of recommendations for the national policy of regional development;
- Investment Profile “Investment problems and solutions of the Northern Development Region”, with a specific set of policy recommendations and technical solutions proposed to each of the 12 districts of the Development Region;
- Investment Profile “Investment problems and solutions of the Southern Development Region”, with a specific set of policy recommendations and technical solutions proposed to each of the 8 districts of the Development Region;
- Investment Profile “Investment problems and solutions of the Central Development Region”, with a specific set of policy recommendations and technical solutions proposed to each of the 13 districts of the Development Region;
- A consistent database containing economic and social statistical data for all Moldovan districts and regions;
Project impact:
This project identified key factors explaining the differences in the investment performance of the analyzed regions. Key policy proposals targeting local, regional and national authorities include creation of local investment promotion units, improving the investment image, ensuring presence in the Internet and amending the local finance system. The first ever Regional Investment Rating in Moldova was compiled in result of this project. Investment profiles identifying key weaknesses and strengths for each district were developed and presented to the district authorities.