The “Moldexpo” International Exhibition Centre aims to move to a new stage of development and, in the long term, transform into Moldova Expo Park — a modern and dynamic space operating throughout the year and connecting companies, producers, investors and the public. Zinaida Popa, Director of the “Moldexpo” IEC, spoke about these plans in an interview with MOLDPRES.

“Moldova Expo Park does not simply mean changing the name, but changing the way we view this territory and its role. We want to move away from the traditional model of an exhibition centre that is mainly active during fairs and turn it into a vibrant year-round space for exhibitions, conferences, forums, business meetings, cultural events and public experiences. At the same time, we also need to change what we offer companies. Today, simply providing square metres of exhibition space is no longer enough. We want to develop modern B2B matchmaking tools so that exhibitors and potential buyers or partners can be connected even before an exhibition opens, while business relationships can continue after the event has ended,” she said.

The Director said that priority investments are focused on basic infrastructure, energy efficiency, accessibility, the modernisation and greater flexibility of the pavilions, as well as technological upgrades. All of these measures must be implemented gradually, through a balanced combination of investment, institutional partnerships and the attraction of private capital where there is commercial viability.

Zinaida Popa became Director General of the centre in October 2025.

“In fact, my period as acting director gave me the opportunity to get to know the institution very well before taking on the full mandate. I saw both the enormous potential of ‘Moldexpo’ and the problems that had accumulated over time. We started with internal organisation and the professionalisation of processes, because you cannot talk about external development if the institution does not function efficiently internally. We worked on standardising processes, improving service quality, revitalising infrastructure and opening up the site to new types of activities,” she said.

The head of the institution also noted that in 2025, “Moldexpo” recorded approximately 294,000 visitors, more than twice as many as in 2024, while interim data for 2026 confirm continued interest in the platform. Moreover, in September 2025, “Moldexpo” obtained ISO 9001 certification from Bureau Veritas Romania, becoming the first fully state-owned joint-stock company in the Republic of Moldova to receive this certification.

Regarding the development of the surrounding area, she noted that such a valuable site should not be active only when an exhibition is taking place.

“The former ‘Aventura Park’ area was included in a transparent lease process through public tenders, strictly for sports, leisure and gastronomy activities. At the same time, we are working to improve access and public spaces. One important project is the sakura alley, which will create a better connection with the Valea Morilor area and will include modern lighting, urban furniture, recreation areas and a new access zone to the complex,” Zinaida Popa said in the same interview.

She announced that the “Moldexpo” IEC is to be included on the Investment Agency’s map of investment opportunities, which will make it possible to present the potential of the site in a more structured way to investors considering the Republic of Moldova. The institution has also initiated partnerships with several countries, including Slovenia, Greece and Kazakhstan.

“I would like us, at the end of my term, not to talk only about having renovated several pavilions or developed a few areas. I would like us to be able to say that we fundamentally changed the development model of ‘Moldexpo’. I want Moldova Expo Park to be a vibrant space throughout the year: a place where business, investment, culture, local producers and the community come together; a place where Moldovan companies find partners and foreign companies discover the opportunities offered by the Republic of Moldova.

‘Moldexpo’ is a public asset that goes beyond the length of a mandate or the name of a director. My responsibility is to leave behind a stronger, more modern institution with a strategic development direction that can continue regardless of who leads it,” she concluded.