Chisinau, 18 August - The Moldovan Government organized the Diaspora Business Forum 2024 in cooperation with UNDP, IOM, WHO, and UNICEF within the joint UN Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (M-MPTF) project.

The event was hosted in Chisinau, at the Digital Park, and brought together around 150 participants such as members of the diaspora, local entrepreneurs, government representatives, investors, and other stakeholders to explore business opportunities, foster economic collaboration, and strengthen ties between the diaspora and their country of origin. The participants discussed the main priorities, challenges, and existing opportunities, programs, and policies to leverage the diaspora's financial resources, expertise, networks, and experience to contribute to the economic development of the Republic of Moldova. 

Inaugurated by Mr. Dorin Recean, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, he was joined in the opening remarks by Ms. Seher Ariner, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Ms. Ester Ruiz de Azua, IOM Moldova Chief of Mission and Mr. Andrei Stratulat, Coordinator of Economic Development Programs at the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova. 

In his remarks, the Moldovan Prime Minister underscored the crucial role of the Moldovan diaspora in knowledge transfer: 

"I firmly believe in our partnership, in the positive results we can achieve together, both those at home and those in the diaspora. Together we can advance the economic and social landscape of the Republic of Moldova. And those with expertise in specific fields can share knowledge, skills, and best practices to help local businesses grow and compete globally."

In her welcoming speech IOM Moldova's Chief of Mission, Ester Ruiz de Azua, prized the diaspora engagement in economic development in Moldova and mentioned the crucial role of the Government who advance the creation of various platforms to facilitate the establishment of partnerships between the local business community and Moldova entrepreneurs.

Ester Ruiz de Azua mentioned, in this context, the importance of the Diaspora Business Forums to advance mutual trust and engagement, a structured platform for dialogue and action, fostering stronger economic ties and promoting sustainable development. 

“These platforms organized in Moldova and in main destination countries of the Moldovan diaspora also initiate and consolidate the relationship between the diaspora and local businesses, contributing to the creation of jobs, the transfer of technology, and the growth of new industries. By advancing these engagements, countries can better harness the potential of their diaspora communities as partners in development, ultimately leading to more resilient and diversified economies,” stated Ms. Ruiz de Azua

Diaspora Engagement in Public Policy Development for EU Integration was another key topic discussed during the event. It is worth mentioning that IOM supports the Moldovan Government in launching two programs that promote diaspora engagement and the return and reintegration of young professionals.

These programs, implemented in partnership with UNDP, WHO, and UNICEF through the joint UN Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (M-MPTF), are designed to facilitate the transfer of competences, skills, and creation of partnerships to enable a smooth implementation of institutional and policy reforms aimed at accelerating the EU integration process in key strategic fields such as research and education, justice, employment, social protection, climate change adaptation, and entrepreneurship promotion.

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For more information, please contact: 

Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, IOM Moldova 
rseveri@iom.int