The macroeconomic perspectives and the consolidation of the financial sector, the priorities of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) and the developments in the banking sector in the process of European integration were discussed by the Governor of the NBM, Anca Dragu, and the Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova, Graham Paul, together with other representatives of the Economic and Financial Mission of the French diplomatic representation in our country.

The NBM Governor reiterated that the independence of the central bank is essential in order to achieve its objectives: price stability, stimulation of financial intermediation, strengthening of banking supervision and financial stability. Anca Dragu also underlined that ensuring the transparency, integrity and accountability of the National Bank plays a special role, in order for the institution to be trusted by citizens, business and investment environment. Another topic addressed was the importance of financial education.

Anca Dragu stressed that in the European path of the Republic of Moldova, the experience of the countries that have gone through this process is essential and, in this regard, the NBM is ready to take the best examples for the consolidation and modernisation of the financial system. In this context, the Governor mentioned that she would like to intensify cooperation with the central bank of France.

At the same time, the Governor noted that the NBM is interested in obtaining confirmation from the EU of the results of the reforms it has promoted in the banking sector, and, for this purpose, will initiate the assessment exercise on the equivalence of national banking legislation with EU legislation, according to the EBA methodology. In this regard, Anca Dragu mentioned her recent visit to Paris, where, together with other colleagues from the NBM, she held high-level meetings at the European Banking Authority (EBA).

The Ambassador of France reconfirmed his country's support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova and the importance of bilateral economic and cultural cooperation, which should offer as many benefits as possible to the people.

Moldovan French diplomatic relations began on 11 March 1992, and to date cooperation agreements have been concluded in the commercial-economic, technical-scientific, defence, mutual protection of investments, agriculture, rural development, etc.