US–Romania Economic Forum Concludes in Iași: New Investment Opportunities for Moldova and Ukraine

On 22–23 October 2026, the US–Romania Regional Economic Forum 2026 took place in Iași, Romania, under the theme “Bridge to Tomorrow: Technology, Investment & Regional Resilience.”

Held as part of Romania’s officially designated “Year of the United States of America,” the forum brought together business leaders, government officials, investors, and academic representatives from the United States, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Discussions focused on attracting American investment into energy and critical infrastructure, developing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and defense technologies, and strengthening the economic resilience of NATO’s eastern flank.

Particular attention was given to eastern Romania’s role as an investment and logistics hub connecting European markets with Moldova and Ukraine’s future reconstruction projects.

Moldova Presents Its Investment Potential

Governor of the National Bank of Moldova Anca Dragu outlined the country’s financial development prospects, emphasizing progress in European integration, modernization of the banking sector, and reduced energy dependence.

Special attention was given to Moldova’s integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which facilitates international payments and creates more favorable conditions for foreign investment.

The forum’s practical program included B2B meetings, presentations of investment opportunities in Iași, and a special session entitled “Texas Welcomes Iași,” aimed at strengthening business ties between Romanian and American companies.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research (IDR)

Holding the forum in Iași highlights the growing importance of the EU’s eastern border regions as promising destinations for American investment, cross-border cooperation, and Ukraine’s economic recovery.

For the Black Sea–Danube region, opportunities to attract investment into transport, port, and energy infrastructure, modernize border crossings, and develop international logistics corridors are particularly significant.

According to the Institute of Danube Research, a strategic priority should be the establishment of an integrated investment area involving Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova, particularly through stronger transport connections between Odesa Oblast, eastern Romania, and Moldovan logistics hubs.

Greater economic integration across the Iași–Moldova–Southern Ukraine region could create new opportunities for international investment, Danube logistics development, and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.