In August, Moldovans from all over the world return home for Diaspora Days! This year, the Diaspora Congress reaches its 10th edition! Participants will interact with officials from public institutions and representatives of partner organizations and discover the benefits of investing in key sectors of the economy.
The Diaspora Congress 2023 edition will focus on multilateral Government – diaspora discussions on diaspora policies, the impact of migration on economic, social, academic, and political processes in the country, as well as the impact of policies developed by the Government on the diaspora. During the event, participants will have the opportunity to attend various thematic panel discussions in the presence of Moldovan officials, who will provide answers to questions from citizens abroad.
Topics which will be discussed:
- Affordable services for the diaspora
- Diaspora inspires
- Opportunities for harnessing diaspora expertise
- Diaspora members, beneficiaries of government programs
Moldovan President Maia Sandu came to welcome the Diaspora representatives among the first Moldovan officials.
“Thank you for all that you are doing for our country. I am sure that these days, we will be able to discuss all the problems and issues you have. The Moldovan authorities make many efforts to maintain relations in the social and economic sectors with those countries where Moldovan citizens live and work. Among them are Canada, the USA, Italy, and Romania.
First of all, I would like to start with consular services. It was the problems in this sector that you spoke about at our last meeting, and the MFAEI managed to find a solution. As you know, from January 1, the consular fee was reduced by 50%,” said the President.
Maia Sandu emphasized that diaspora representatives who want to return home and start a business here also enjoy several benefits.
“The opening of SRLs under the accelerated program, tax reduction, and other support from the state will make it much easier for diaspora representatives who decided to return home and work for the benefit of Moldova,” Sandu stressed.
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu said that the event is an opportunity to discuss the important role played by the diaspora in the country’s development process, especially when Moldova is “going through a decisive moment in its history.”
In particular, he noted that, over the past year, firm steps have been taken to ensure Moldova’s accession to the European Union. Chisinau’s diplomat said that the authorities are making efforts to improve the quality of consular services for Moldovan citizens abroad and are currently working on the elaboration of an “e-consulate” program, which may be finalized by next spring.
The Diaspora Congress is organized every two years by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the Diaspora Relations Office in cooperation with central public institutions and diaspora associations.
The Congress is a platform, which has become a tradition, to strengthen communication between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Diaspora and is held by GD no. 735/2016 on the organization of Diaspora Days, as well as by the action plan of the Diaspora Relations Office.