The delegation of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), led by Governor Anca Dragu, met with Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), during the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, held in Washington.

The discussions focused on the global and regional economic outlook, the resilience of the Republic of Moldova's economy, and the role of the NBM in strengthening financial stability and advancing structural reforms in line with the country's European path.

Governor Anca Dragu presented recent macroeconomic developments, including initiatives to maintain a sound and well-capitalised banking sector, highlighting progress in the area of central bank governance and transparency, as well as the modernisation of the payment infrastructure.

In this context, Moldova's participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) was highlighted, confirming the maturation of the institutional framework and the progressive alignment with European standards.

Mr. Kenji Okamura further noted that joining SEPA confirms the confidence of international partners in the soundness of the Republic of Moldova's financial system, as well as the successful completion of the assessment missions carried out under the FSAP (Financial Sector Assessment Program) exercise, conducted by the IMF and the World Bank. This assessment involves an in-depth and objective analysis of the quality of banking system regulation and supervision, the conduct of stress tests for Moldovan banks, the assessment of crisis management capacity, and analysis of how the financial system supports access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and other key economic sectors.

"We will continue the European path of the Republic of Moldova with the same consistency and confidence: stability, transparency, and reforms. By modernising the payment infrastructure and strengthening governance, we are bringing the financial system of the Republic of Moldova closer to European standards and contributing to increased confidence and economic resilience," emphasised Ms. Anca Dragu.

In the coming period, the NBM and the IMF will deepen their cooperation with a view to strengthening the macroprudential framework.

The delegation of the National Bank of Moldova, led by Governor Anca Dragu, is participating from 13 to 18 October 2025, in the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, a global forum that brings together economic and financial leaders from around the world to discuss economic outlooks, development challenges, and policies aimed at ensuring stability and sustainable economic growth.