Vlad Batrîncea, Vice President of the Parliament, President of the parliamentary faction of the Bloc of Communists and Socialists and member of the Executive Committee of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), in an interview for TRIBUNA, spoke about the visit to China, together with his colleagues, about the official meetings there and the good practices that could be taken over in our country.

TRIBUNA: Mr. Batrîncea, you and several of your colleagues from the Party of Socialists and the Parliament have paid an official visit to China from February 26 to March 6. What were the main results/goals achieved as part of the program?

Vlad Batrincea: During its visit to China, the delegation of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova has actively worked on strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries. We had meetings with representatives of the Communist Party of China, discussing the prospects of intensifying cooperation in the areas of town twinning, trade, technology, health and Chinese investments in the Republic of Moldova, especially in the sector of affordable green energy.

One of the main achievements of the visit was the signing of a Cooperation Memorandum between the Party of Socialists and the Communist Party of China. We also got acquainted with successful examples of the implementation of the most advanced Chinese technologies in the areas of robotics, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, which offers real prospects for the development of infrastructure and technologies in Moldova.

T.: What were the most significant issues discussed throughout the visit?

V.B.: The focus during the visit was on strengthening the political dialogue between our countries, developing regional relations, economic collaboration and cooperation in the field of advanced technologies, as well as in the health sector and the pharmaceutical industry.

We analyzed the opportunities for Moldova as part of the largest Chinese initiatives, such as the “Belt and Road” project, which can become an important platform for integrating our economy into the global supply and innovation chains. Our main goal was to present Moldova’s potential to our Chinese colleagues in order to attract investments in the Moldovan economy, in free economic zones, in infrastructure and high-tech projects.

T.:At the meeting with Minister Liu Jianchao, you signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Communist Party of China and the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova. What exactly does this document stipulate, considering that you had already established a cooperation with Chinese colleagues?

V.B.: This Memorandum represents both a continuation and a deepening of our long-standing cooperation with the Communist Party of China. The document addresses several areas, including strengthening political dialogue, exchange of experience, cooperation in the civil society organizations sector, development of economic and humanitarian relations, and organization of joint events.

The agreement has a strategic nature and aims to create a solid partnership between our parties, contributing to the deepening of bilateral relations between Moldova and China. It is obvious that, both politically and conceptually, our parties share similar visions both in terms of the global context and the development directions of our countries, with the common objective of building a more equitable and modernized society.

T.:In a meeting with Tie Ning, the Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly of Chinese People’s Representatives, you discussed the “Belt and Road” project. What does this project entail and why is it necessary for our country?

V.B.: The “Belt and Road” project is a global strategic initiative to improve infrastructure links and economic cooperation by creating trade and investment networks.

This project represents a real opportunity for Moldova to improve its transport networks, gain access to new markets, attract investment and implement advanced technologies. We see this project as a chance to strengthen Moldova’s position in the international economy and to improve the standard of living of its citizens by developing infrastructure and creating jobs. It is a unique opportunity to strengthen our economic basis by participating in a global initiative, but for this to happen, the Republic of Moldova must present itself as a reliable partner with a clear vision and a well-defined strategy on the international scene.

T.:After visiting the Lingang Special Free Trade Zone and several companies, the PSRM announced that it intends to initiate, along with local and international experts, a detailed analysis of the possibilities of attracting Chinese investments and implementing advanced technological solutions on the Moldovan market. What does such an analysis imply? And do you consider that Chinese investors are interested in Moldova? In which areas?

V.B.: The experts’ analysis will focus on identifying the opportunities for attracting Chinese investment in various sectors of the Moldovan economy, including free economic zones.

We will assess the possibilities for implementing and adapting advanced Chinese technologies, particularly in the areas of health, alternative energy and infrastructure. Chinese companies are indeed interested in expanding their presence in foreign markets, and we see opportunities for cooperation in these sectors. It is important to note that Chinese investors perceive Moldova as a strategic partner for expanding their economic influence in Eastern Europe. These investments must be attracted and protected at all levels, both legislatively and practically.

T.:What would you like Moldova to learn from China?

V.B.: China’s foreign policy is based on the principles of non-involvement in the domestic affairs of other states, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial development. This approach would also be beneficial for Moldova, which should aim to establish balanced and mutually beneficial relations with all states.

We want to strengthen economic and political relations between our countries. It is necessary we actively work to attract Chinese investments, implement advanced technologies in various sectors and create conditions for the sustainable development of the Moldovan economy. We are also interested in deepening cultural and humanitarian ties with China, which will help to strengthen mutual trust and good understanding between our peoples. We should stimulate interest in studying China among Moldovan young people and specialists, which will bring long-term benefits to our country. China is a reliable friend and a forward-looking partner for us.

T.:Apart from the official and political aspects, what impressed or shocked you the most in Beijing and Shanghai?

V.B.: Beijing and Shanghai are two amazing cities, each with a distinct identity. Beijing impresses with its historical and cultural heritage and is a symbol of China’s greatness, while Shanghai astonishes with its innovations and modern technologies.

We have personally witnessed the high level of infrastructure development, the use of advanced technologies in daily life, as well as the progress in green energy and sustainable development. It was especially interesting to see how local democracy works, where the representatives of the people, from municipal to national level, are directly involved in making the most important decisions on the management of affairs and finances.

T.: What’s to come in the relationship with Chinese partners after this visit?

V.B.: The next step is to continue and deepen our cooperation with China at various levels. We will work on the implementation of the projects we discussed during the visit, in particular in the areas of advanced technologies and infrastructure. It is also important to continue strengthening political dialogue through various channels, including inter-party and inter-parliamentary contacts, and to develop economic cooperation in the context of existing and future agreements. We will actively encourage our colleagues in the regions to establish their own bilateral connections with provinces and cities in China, attracting investment and beneficial projects to the Republic of Moldova.

T.: As the leader of the faction of the Bloc of Communists and Socialists and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, could you tell us what are your priorities for the current session, which is, in fact, the last one of this Parliament?

V.B.: Being at the end of the parliamentary term, the faction will strengthen its efforts on parliamentary scrutiny and critical analysis of the government’s work. We plan to hold hearings and submit motions against several ministries, as the state of affairs in key areas such as justice, economy, agriculture, social protection, education, health and infrastructure is extremely critical.

Particular attention will be paid to transparency and fair management of public money. We will provide law enforcement bodies and general public with relevant information on inefficient management of public affairs and certain irregularities.

At the same time, we will continue to actively promote the economic and social initiatives of our team, designed to make a real contribution to improving the social-economic situation in the country.

T.: We know that the Socialist Party is preparing for upcoming parliamentary elections this year. What is the atmosphere amongst party’s members and what are your expectations for this election?

V.B.: In fact, the PSRM did not stop its political activity with the citizens even after the presidential campaign, when our candidate, supported by the socialists, won the presidential elections inside the country.

However, the election result was manipulated by Maia Sandu. That is why our team is actively working to be even better prepared for the parliamentary elections. We remain optimistic and close to the people, determined to radically change the atmosphere and the political situation in Moldova for the better. We will give voters a competent and capable team, alongside with a well-structured National Anti-Crisis Plan.

Cristina Gurez