The Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), Ms Anca Dragu, and the Governor of the Bank of France, Mr François Villeroy de Galhau, held a bilateral meeting in Cambodia in the context of the Conference of Francophone Central Bank Governors. Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, support for reforms, the modernisation of the financial sector, and the continued alignment of banking standards in the Republic of Moldova with those of the European Union (EU).

“Strengthening the financial sector through European integration remains a priority for the Republic of Moldova. Close dialogue with the Bank of France enables us to adopt European best practices and accelerate structural reforms, thereby ensuring a more stable, more resilient economy that is fully connected to the international financial area. One of our objectives is to obtain recognition of the equivalence of the Republic of Moldova’s prudential banking framework with that of the EU, in accordance with the methodology of the European Banking Authority,” Ms Anca Dragu underlined.

The Governor added that the results of these efforts are also reflected in the improvement of the country’s sovereign credit rating, which strengthens investor confidence and contributes to enhancing the economic attractiveness of the Republic of Moldova.

An important point of the dialogue concerned the Republic of Moldova’s success in the process of integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). At the same time, the importance of increasing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises was highlighted as a fundamental element in supporting the real economy and sustainable development.

“Through the gradual alignment of financial legislation with the EU acquis and its effective implementation, the NBM has substantially contributed to fulfilling the commitments undertaken towards the EU, including in the context of implementing the Association Agreement, the macro-financial assistance provided by the EU and, more recently, the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova,” Ms Anca Dragu noted.

In September last year, the Governor of the Bank of France visited the Republic of Moldova in the context of the international research conference organised in partnership with the Bank of France and the National Bank of Romania, dedicated to the future of finance in emerging markets: “New Technology for Old Markets”.

Cooperation between the National Bank of Moldova and the Bank of France was strengthened through the signing in Paris, on 17 January 2025, of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. This document marks a significant moment in deepening bilateral relations and supporting the European path of the Republic of Moldova.