Moldova targets green, digital transformation in new UNIDO framework - EXCLUSIVE
The Republic of Moldova is entering a new phase of cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as it lays out an ambitious strategy for the upcoming Country Partnership Programme (CPP), the source in Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation of Moldova told CE Report in an exclusive interview.
The Ministry’s roadmap is firmly rooted in national strategic documents, including the National Industrial Development Programme 2024–2028, the National Strategy for Economic Development, and the Economic Reform Programme 2025–2027. Together, these frameworks chart Moldova’s pathway toward industrial modernisation, digitalisation, the green transition, and deeper integration into European value chains.
From a practical standpoint, the Ministry is already rolling out a series of reforms and investments designed to accelerate industrial transformation. These include strengthening the regulatory environment, expanding industrial parks, reinforcing quality infrastructure, and launching state-aid schemes to stimulate investment in the manufacturing sector. Complementary measures—such as aligning workforce skills with industry needs and mapping pollution levels to support green transition roadmaps—are also underway.
A cornerstone of Moldova’s future cooperation with UNIDO lies in its green and circular economy agenda. As the country seeks to reduce its vulnerability to volatile energy prices and heavy import dependence, priority actions will include comprehensive energy audits, the modernisation of high-consumption industrial equipment, the integration of renewable energy into production lines, and the introduction of innovative support schemes inspired by OECD derisking mechanisms. These efforts aim to boost industrial resilience while driving long-term sustainability.
Strategically, Moldova has strengthened its institutional framework for cooperation through the establishment of the National Coordination Committee for the Country Partnership Programme, created by Order No.35/2025. The Committee will serve as the central platform guiding both the strategic and operational dimensions of the CPP, ensuring that incoming projects align with national priorities and progress in an orderly, phased manner. According to the Ministry, Moldova remains fully open to a broad spectrum of UNIDO initiatives capable of advancing digital and green industrial development.
The Ministry identifies several sectors with high potential for investment and competitiveness under future UNIDO-backed initiatives. The automotive industry—already one of the strongest performers in recent years—stands out as a key engine of economic expansion, offering deep opportunities for technology transfer and integration into global supply chains. The electronics and electrical equipment sectors hold similar promise, with the capacity to generate high value-added products and diversify the country’s industrial base.
Traditional pillars of the Moldovan economy, such as the food processing and agro-industrial sectors, also feature prominently. Here, investments in technological upgrades, certification systems, and international quality standards are expected to unlock new export opportunities and open access to premium markets. Meanwhile, the construction materials and non-metallic mineral products industries are gaining strategic weight in light of anticipated regional reconstruction efforts, including future projects in Ukraine.
Additional growth prospects are emerging in the furniture and wood-processing sector, where design innovation, branding, and European market integration present substantial opportunities. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries likewise remain priority areas, particularly in terms of strengthening quality infrastructure and developing advanced, high-tech products.
By aligning its national policies with UNIDO’s strategic expertise, Moldova is laying the foundation for a modern, competitive, and sustainable industrial sector. The forthcoming Country Partnership Programme is expected to reinforce this trajectory—strengthening resilience, boosting competitiveness, and positioning the republic more firmly within European and global value chains.
This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman
