Republic of Moldova

Following the 2014 crisis, Moldova has experienced a period of relative economic and financial stability, but still faces significant challenges. Growth has returned, inflation pressures have been contained, and fiscal performance has improved. Financial sector rehabilitation is underway, but further steps are needed to strengthen banks’ governance and balance sheets, which are critical to restore credit growth. Faster growth is needed if Moldova is to lift per capita income, which is the lowest in the region. • To accelerate growth and improve living standards while maintaining macroeconomic stability, policies should continue to focus on: (i) decisively strengthening the banking sector to facilitate deeper financial intermediation; (ii) bolstering the inflation targeting framework to help improve the transmission mechanism, while continuing to allow for exchange rate flexibility; (iii) maintaining fiscal discipline, while providing for growth-friendly priority public investment and safeguarding debt sustainability; and (iv) advancing structural reforms for sustainable and inclusive growth.