Refugees from Ukraine, who fled the war, had a positive influence on the Moldovan economy. They, being accommodated in the country, consumed goods bringing money to the national budget. At the same time, they saved the HoReCa branch, staying in hotels and tourist guesthouses in the Republic of Moldova. The conclusions are set in an analysis carried out by expert in economic policies at the IDIS Viitorul Veaceslav Ionita.
According to Ionita, the first important aspect of the war in Ukraine was the fact that Moldovan exports in 2022 exploded. Thus, while in 2021 they totaled $3.1 billion, last year exports reached $4.3 billion.
“We export to Ukraine, and we import and export Ukrainian goods to other countries. From this export of goods, about $850 million, goods delivered abroad by the Republic of Moldova, are generated by the flows of goods from and to Ukraine,” said the expert.
He said that the war in Ukraine brought financial income to Moldovan economic agents, especially those in the field of transport. Thus, while the pandemic collapsed the transport, cargo and passenger services sector to $250 million in 2020, last year, the volume of transport services reached $480 million.
Veaceslav Ionita said that the national budget in 2022 had a modest increase. However, Ukrainian refugees contributed to its formation.
“Ukrainians living in the Republic of Moldova consume goods and services. Thus, they generate revenues in the form of VAT and excise duties for the state budget. Five thousand Ukrainians are already working in our country. They pay social security, medical and other fees and taxes,” said the economic analyst.
Since the beginning of the war, about 1 million Ukrainian citizens have entered the Republic of Moldova, and over 100 thousand of them still remain in the country. (Moldpres/Business World Magazine)