Moldova’s Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, Claudiu Năsui, says there are areas where Chisinau is ahead of Bucharest, particularly in digitalization.
Speaking in an interview with AGERPRES, Năsui discussed his first priorities in his new position and compared the challenges facing Moldova and Romania.
“There are many similarities, and I would say there are also many things where Chisinau is ahead of Bucharest. I am referring especially to digitalization, where I believe we have a lot to learn. Romania has a lot to learn from the Republic of Moldova in this area,” Năsui said.
The minister said that, apart from digitalization, the two countries face similar problems and situations, while solutions implemented in one country could also be applied in the other.
According to Năsui, one of the key differences he has noticed in Chisinau is a stronger desire for reform.
Among his priorities are state-owned companies and reducing bureaucracy. Năsui said simplifying regulations and reducing the administrative burden could benefit both entrepreneurs and large companies operating in Moldova.
“I believe these are two areas from which a great deal of good could be done for the Moldovan economy if they were reformed,” the minister said.
Asked about the experience he gained in Romania and what could be applied in Chisinau, Năsui said he had been supporting reforms for around a decade and that Moldova now has a real opportunity to implement them.
“Here, things have to happen in order for the economy to become healthier,” Claudiu Năsui said, referring to Moldova’s lack of the same “safety nets” available in Romania.
The minister has not yet presented a detailed list of the measures he plans to introduce. He said he would discuss them after all the “reform projects” set to be launched are publicly announced.
Claudiu Năsui, a former Romanian MP and former Economy Minister in Bucharest, was officially appointed Moldova’s Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization on August 28.
Three days earlier, on August 25, Moldovan President Maia Sandu granted Năsui Moldovan citizenship, a legal requirement for holding the ministerial position.