During the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) in Washington, the delegation of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), led by the Governor Anca Dragu, held a series of productive meetings with important officials, the topics being focused on the development of the financial market and financial intermediation to ensure the economic progress of the country. During the discussions, it was stressed that the development of the capital market will provide financing alternatives for companies as well as investment opportunities. Another item on the agenda was the identification of new opportunities for cooperation.

Thus, on 17 April 2024, the NBM team met with Marina Moretti, Deputy Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department (MCM) of the IMF, Elena Flores, Deputy Director General of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) of the European Commission, as well as representatives of leading international companies.

Technical cooperation between the NBM and the IMF, as well as assistance for future financial support programmes, were at the centre of discussions.

The meeting with representatives of the IMF's Monetary and Capital Markets Department focused on the NBM's technical cooperation with the IMF and assistance for the coming years, including the possible benefits of a Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) by IMF and WB in 2026.

The Governor Anca Dragu and Elena Flores, Deputy Director General (DG ECFIN) of the European Commission, addressed topics related to macro-financial assistance from the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, including the economic perspective and structural reforms needed to improve the financial infrastructure and expand the capital market in Moldova.

A significant moment of the visit was the meeting of the Governor Anca Dragu and her counterpart from Ukraine, Andriy Pyshnyy. The officials underlined the importance of regional cooperation between central banks and reviewed the macroeconomic outlook of the area.

In Washington, the NBM delegation also held talks with representatives of leading international companies, thus reinforcing the strategy of attracting foreign investment and developing capital markets, in view of European integration.

“The discussions held in Washington underline Moldova's commitment to modernize its economy and ensure financial stability and prosperity for Moldovan citizens,” said NBM Governor Anca Dragu.

The spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank provide a unique opportunity for participants from different countries to exchange experiences and views in the areas of economic development and financial stability.