The most important regional event dedicated to business development in the region, ˮCahul Business Summitˮ, was held for the first time in the south of the country. The event brought together on the same stage government officials, national experts, entrepreneurs, representatives of the private sector and all those interested in the economic and digital development of the region. During the discussions, the summit guests highlighted opportunities and ways to implement information technologies in various fields of activity in the context of accelerating regional economic development. "Cahul Business Summit" was organized by the Cahul City Hall with the support of the EU4Moldova project: Startup City Cahul, developed by ATIC, with the financial assistance of the European Union, in partnership with Sweden.
Sergiu Gaibu, Minister of Economy: "Cahul is truly becoming the capital of the southern region, and today's event confirms this. We want the south of the country to develop even more, and with the help of international partners, the central authorities, we want to facilitate policies in this area, so that the regions develop harmoniously and the business sector is not just concentrated in the capital. At this stage, regional development is essential for us and we want to simplify tax regimes as well, to facilitate production processes."
Nicolae Dandis, Mayor of Cahul: "Today's event addresses important topics such as: investments, human resources, tourism potential, digitalization, and highlights the challenges and the possibilities to solve them. In my view, the biggest investment is the investment in education, in people, and this must become a priority for the whole society. I also want to note that partnerships between institutions are vital for the southern region and we believe that today, together with donor institutions, central authorities, the business community and all participants we will identify projects that need to be implemented."
"Cahul Business Summit" discussed the digital transformation of the southern region of the country, focusing on the innovative tools that need to be implemented for economic development, the regional portfolio and opportunities, the demands of the labour market, the needs of entrepreneurs, the skills required for future specialists, as well as the most requested educational offers in the tech field.
Boris Filipov, Project Manager, EU Delegation to Moldova: "The Business Summit is the event that shows us how the power of technology can bring benefits to the public sector, the private sector and progress in our daily lives. The European Union supports the development of the region's digital potential by supporting Startup City Cahul and other regional projects. We believe that technologies will give people more competitive jobs, better health and innovative public services. Our location here is a chance to connect all smart people, all communities, to strengthen the potential of the digital economy, develop the ICT workforce, create innovation-based businesses. Achieving these goals in Cahul will greatly enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the region and will bring multiple benefits to the people living in this wonderful area."
Catarina Nilsson, Programme Manager, Embassy of Sweden in the Republic of Moldova: "Even though we are going through difficult times, I am delighted to see how you are creating new opportunities for growth and working together for resilience and digital inclusion. Today's event is a good opportunity to build new bridges and launch cooperation between all those present here. The partnerships initiated today can play a significant role in increasing digital jobs in the region and developing the local tech sector. Sweden will continue to support the development of SMEs and local businesses and their economic recovery through digitisation."
Veaceslav Cunev, President of ATIC: "For ATIC, one of the priorities is the development of the tech sector in the regions, because in recent years we have focused more on the development of this sector in the country's capital. The growth of this industry can only be achieved if we get involved in the development of the tech sector across the country. Currently, the progress of all areas of business is closely related to connecting to technology and implementing technological solutions. That is why our efforts must be geared towards creating the infrastructure needed to develop tech services and products."
The event also highlighted how the region's tourism potential and the use of digital tools in the tourism industry can accelerate local economic development and attract foreign investment, the region's competitive advantages and opportunities for digitization at destination level, as well as the competitiveness of the tourism business and the new development perspective of the sector.
About EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul
"Cahul Business Summit" is organized within the framework of EU Tech Days, by the EU4Moldova project: Startup City Cahul. The project addresses the sustainable socio-economic development of Cahul municipality and neighbouring localities, complementing the regional coverage of the European Union's development assistance to Moldova. In particular, the project supports economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship, employment for small and medium-sized enterprises outside the capital and provides study opportunities for young people, women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). As part of the project, a regional innovation and technology centre - EU4Innovation Center - will be created in Cahul and a large group of local people will become its beneficiaries. The aim of the centre is to have a stimulating effect on the city of Cahul and other development areas in the region. More details can be found on www.startupcitycahul.md
