As global industries increasingly turn to creativity as a growth driver, Moldova is quietly emerging as one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic and resilient hubs for creative services. With a growing ecosystem of over 2,700 companies and more than 13,000 professionals — and a 16% increase in the number of creative enterprises between 2020 and 2023 — the country’s creative economy is attracting interest from international markets and investors alike, according to Invest Moldova. This July, it will take the stage at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Though small in size, Moldova has built a reputation for digital creative talent. Designers, animators, sound engineers, multimedia producers and other creative professionals have found traction in the global market through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance. This shift is backed by structural advantages: a young, educated workforce, a fast-growing tech sector, and one of the most affordable and high-speed internet infrastructures in the region.
Moldova’s creative sector is closely interwoven with its ICT industry, which has benefited from supportive government policies. The 7% flat tax offered to resident IT companies in Moldova IT Park — a model now studied across the region — has helped build a digital economy that’s increasingly attracting creative start-ups. Discussions are underway to extend similar incentives to creative industries, unlocking even more potential for scale and sustainability.
FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!
Moreover, Moldovan universities have begun adapting their curricula to respond to the growing demand for creative skills. New programs in animation, multimedia production, and game design are preparing graduates to enter both local and international job markets.
Global Partnerships: Moldova Meets Japan
International collaboration is further fueling the sector’s growth. Partnerships with Japanese creative institutions and professionals have accelerated Moldova’s exposure to global trends in animation and gaming. Influential figures such as Sho Sato, as well as entities like Crunchyroll (a global leader in anime streaming and digital entertainment whose Chișinău office is the largest outside the United States and a key hub for IT development), have helped shape Moldova’s engagement in digital storytelling, while Japanese support in modernizing cultural venues has increased public interest in the sector at home.
Photo: Crunchyroll office in Moldova
Showcasing Moldova at Expo 2025 Osaka
On July 19, at the Theme Weeks Studio venue during Expo Osaka 2025,On July 19, as part of the Theme Weeks Studio at Expo 2025 Osaka, representatives of Invest Moldova Agency, together with the Creative Association of Moldova, will host the workshop Moldova Meets Japan: A Journey through Anime and Gaming — a flagship event showcasing the country’s creative potential through themes such as Play to Invest, Creative Moldova, and Learning Moldova.
A special segment, Moldova Meets Japan: A Journey through Anime and Gaming, will spotlight the rise of Moldova’s digital arts scene, showcasing how local talent is blending global influences with original content in gaming and animation. The event will highlight Moldova’s growing contributions to digital entertainment while addressing how the creative industry is driving cultural, economic, and social innovation in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
“Moldova’s creative sector is evolving fast — with talent, ambition, and worldwide relevance. At Expo 2025 Osaka, we’re not just showcasing ideas; we’re looking to build real partnerships that move this industry forward.”
– Natalia Bejan, Director, Invest Moldova Agency
Company Profiles: Meet Moldova’s Creative Change-Makers
To bring Moldova’s creative story to life, seven standout companies — all members of the Creative Industries Association COR — will showcase their talent and innovation at Expo 2025 Osaka.
From digital storytelling and AR/VR experiences to design and animation, these companies represent Moldova’s bold new creative wave:
- NRG Media – Pioneers in immersive multimedia and Unreal Engine-powered installations. Known for their work with international DJ Andrew Rayel and Moldova’s first digital sculpture project for Orange.
- bully! entertainment – A global player in immersive content (VR/AR, WebAR) with a portfolio including Microsoft, Ford, NASA, Avatar, and PwC—alongside past work in Japan for the Rugby World Cup and Adidas’ Tokyo Marathon campaign.
- Lidia Scarlat – A creative producer and international connector who curates custom teams for global studios and brands, with credits including Netflix, OFFF, and Microsoft.
- Casa Imago – A design and branding studio trusted by Crunchyroll for localizing creative campaigns across markets. Specialists in culturally fluent visual communication.
- Mihai Stamati Design Studio – Award-winning industrial designer with works featured at Stockholm, Vienna, and Saint-Étienne Design Weeks. Known for conceptual urban furniture and playful public spaces.
- Profile Communications – A full-service creative and communication agency with 600+ campaigns delivered for major local and international brands.
- Racketa Production – Innovators in immersive storytelling and AR experiences, including an award-winning mobile app for Moldova’s National Museum and original film content development.
Moldova’s participation at Expo Osaka 2025 marks an important step in establishing its creative industry on the international stage. With competitive professionals, strong partnerships, and institutional support, the creative sector is becoming increasingly relevant to the country’s economic development and international image.