Dear Mr. Nuțiu, over the last three years, AIR has grown considerably, from 12 founding members to 31 members today. Given this significant expansion, could you give us more details about the dynamics of the bilateral relations between Moldova and Romania?

Indeed, AIR is growing steadily, except undergoing a decline during the pandemic, when some companies had to withdraw. Fortunately, 2021 has reinstated stability. Let's compare the figures to gain a clearer picture of the dynamics: ten years ago, bilateral trade was between $700 - 900 million, whereas, in 2019, exchanges have reached $2.2 billion, placing Moldova in 4th place among non-EU investors in Romania. It is a very honorable position. Consider that Moldova competes with major economies such as the US, China, Japan, India, etc. As of 2021, the market has rebounded, and we expect the indicators to approach the heights of 2019. However, I believe that the peak of bilateral relations between our countries is still far ahead. These indicators could be tripled through various methods, such as the internationalization of companies, whereby companies on both sides of the Prut would join forces to tackle third markets.

Under what conditions and at whose initiative was the AIR founded?

AIR was founded at the initiative of 12 representative Romanian companies in Moldova, out of a need for recognition of the Romanian investment environment. Although we are the first in terms of equity capital brought to Moldova, about 130 million euros, I noticed that few people know the extent of Romanian investments. Probably, it is because  Romanians have entered the market quietly, given the affinity of language and nation, without requesting various facilities from the Moldovan Government. Only through the Association's activity, we have begun to make ourselves known and gain the appreciation that Romanian investments deserve. Thanks also to Moldova Business Week and economic events (webinars, bilateral sessions, etc.), organized by the Investment Agency "Invest Moldova", where I participated as a speaker, we have the opportunity to present the real impact of Romanian investments, because, once again - trade with Romania is in the first place in Moldova's bilateral relations and we are contributing to the high level of this trade.

What companies are members of the Association?

It would be unfair to name only a part of our members, so please list them all.

*The current list of AIR members: Alison Hayes, Trigor AVD, BCR, Balkan Pharmaceuticals, BT Leasing, Betty Ice, Christine Buzescu Prodimpex, Chateau Purcari, Clinica Sante, Construct Arabesque, Eurofarmaco, Ion Moș, Japan Tobacco INC, Kaufland, Mobiasbanca, Medis Group, Moore Stephens,  Petrom, Premium Trucks, Rompetrol, Transelectrica România, UP Servicii, VictoriaBank, Vauban, and Vernon David.

What legislative or social changes are you advocating?

We have proposed to the Ministry of Finance the application of the VAT collection system for SMEs, which we hope will be included in the 2021-2022 financial year. We have extensively explained that the state budget will not lose from this change, on the contrary. The payment of VAT on collection will relieve the SMEs of the burden to pay it in advance, making it more likely that they will remain in operation and maintain jobs. Introducing this measure in Romania has yielded remarkable results.

Another initiative aims to facilitate customs traffic. As a result of the Association's efforts, we are proud that waiting times at customs have halved. We are also advocating the creation of commodity exchange to support farmers. It involves local producers declaring in early March-April products that they do not think are marketable. A team will be in charge of storing, centralizing, and offering the products to European networks. In the field of tourism, unfortunately, the pandemic has put us in a bind. Nevertheless, we have the initiative to develop a Moldova-Romania-Ukraine circuit for incoming tourism from Asian countries.

Can you estimate the economic contribution of the Association to the Moldovan economy?

In addition to the members' investments of 130 million euros, the turnover last year amounted to 400 million euros, with approximately 8,000 people employed in the companies of the AIR's members.

It's great that so many jobs are created.  Could you also tell us a bit about your background? Who is Dan Nuțiu who has undertaken the mission of fostering bilateral relations between Moldova and Romania?

I believe that this mission came naturally. In 2008 I came to Moldova with a project, after which I had a feeling that Moldova would soon sign the Association Agreement, which happened in 2014, so I decided to stay. I believe that Moldova does not only have a future, but also a present. And I am glad that I was not wrong and many of my predictions made ten years ago have come true. 

What were those predictions?

First of all, the attractiveness of Moldova for foreign investors is increasing.  It is my business and I've always had contracts. Fortunately, RM has been consistent in supporting foreign investors. Another thing that has, sadly, come true is the intensification of depopulation. I would also like to stress one highly important aspect: whether it has been good or bad, steps have always been taken. Even if some steps proved to be less successful, they were subsequently corrected. This is the essence of any progress - keep moving forward.

I note your optimism about the development of our country.

Optimism is another crucial aspect of progress. If you only look at the empty side of the glass, you risk becoming the hero of Creanga’s tales - complaining about things that have not happened. I think we have to do something to make things happen so that Moldova can grow and people, in the first phase, stop leaving Moldova and return home in the second.

All the more astounding to hear these ideas from a man who is not a citizen of the Republic of Moldova...You are from Crisana. By the way, how do you feel in Chisinau? Do you notice any cultural differences?

These differences exist between all historical areas of Romania, but they are incomparably smaller than the similarities that exist between us. The neighboring empires have certainly left their mark. Those in Transylvania are educated in the spirit of Austrian pragmatism, while those from Stefan's Moldova, being under Slavic influence, are anchored in a sphere of emotion. The Slavs are very emotional, as proved by the fact that more than 100 of the Romanian composers and writers are from Stefan's Moldova. If you want to read an emotional book, you read Eminescu, if you want a tough book, you read Rebreanu, where land is chosen, pragmatically, over love. Meanwhile, the South, which has long been under both Turkish and Phanariot influence, has taken on the wit and the ability to cope in any circumstance. It is not surprising that 70% of all the rulers of Romania - were Oltenians. There are many anecdotes. Do you know why you don't stand up when you shake hands with an Oltean?

Why? :)

So he doesn't take your place. All things considered, the factors that differentiate us are also the ones that made us who we are. I am proud to be Romanian and to live in Moldova, where I meet great people.

I am glad to hear these warm words about Moldovans. Besides, I know that you are advising Moldovan companies on entering the Romanian market. Could you tell us more about this?

I don't like the term "consultancy", I offer assistance. From my point of view, consultancy is about giving advice, while I take over the project and act either as a general manager or as an export manager along the lines set by my client. My assistance consists of guiding Romanian and European companies on the RM market and, conversely, supporting RM entrepreneurs on the RO and EU market. I have connections in all European countries and I am glad that, so far, 17 companies have entered the RM market as a direct or indirect result of my activity. 

Do you have any data on the contribution of companies with Moldovan capital in Romania?

Moldovan entrepreneurs are much better represented in Romania. There are about 5000 companies with Moldovan capital in Romania, while there are about 1700 companies with Romanian capital in Moldova. However, many Moldovans have chosen to open their companies based on Romanian documents, which means that the real number could be doubled. This is an important flow of fresh blood for the Romanian economy. Though, as I said, there is room for development in both directions. What is relevant is that in 2021 Romanian investors have an increasing appetite for the Moldovan market. We have to understand that we are not competitors but partners with complementary roles. Moldovans can help Romanian companies to enter the CIS market, while Romanian companies can help Moldovans with the European market.

What suggestions for improving the investment climate would you give to the newly elected Moldovan Government?

We have no suggestions for any government. We are partners of any government because these are the decisions of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. We cannot and do not want to interfere in any way. The necessary condition for attracting foreign investment is the predictability of the business environment and consistency in legislative decisions. Regrettably, we had an unfortunate situation when we lost a large international company, which came under a law, made investments but had to withdraw because they were told: "sorry, but the law is not ok". They will be the messengers who will no longer promote Moldova as an investment destination. This is valid for any Government: take responsibility, eventually correct, but do not cancel laws just because they were given by other governments.

Thank you for the dialogue. Best wishes!