AGERPRES special correspondent to Chisinau, Moldova, Cristian Lupascu reports: There are areas of activity, such as digitalisation, where Moldova surpasses Romania, according to Moldova's Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation Claudiu Nasui, a former economy ministry of Romania.

In an interview to AGERPRES he says that the debureaucratization and restructuring of state-owned companies are two of his objectives as a minister in the Moldovan cabinet led by Vasile Tofan.

AGERPRES: You have recently taken over the portfolio of Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation here, in the Republic of Moldova. Is it a challenge for you? What are the similarities and opposite things that you find here, in Chisinau, in relation to Bucharest?

Claudiu Nasui: There are many similarities and I would say that there are many things where Chisinau surpasses Bucharest. I am referring especially to the digitalisation part, where I think we have a lot to learn. Romania has learned a lot from the Republic of Moldova on this side. Otherwise, there are many similar things, but also similar problems, similar states of affairs and similar solutions, and what makes me very happy is that there is an awareness of the need for reform, which is very high here.

AGERPRES: What is the main thing that has surprised you here in Chisinau?

Claudiu Nasui: I wouldn't say surprised, because I knew, I knew little about the situation. I would think that the things to which I will pay special attention are this part with the portfolio of state-owned companies and the part of regulation, of debureaucratisation, so let's ease up a little of this administrative burden that falls on the shoulders of entrepreneurs and larger companies in the Republic of Moldova. I think these are two things that could be done with a mountain of good for the economy of the Republic of Moldova, if it were reformed.

AGERPRES: What is the main lesson that you've learned in Bucharest and that you would like to teach here in Chisinau?

Claudiu Nasui: I wouldn't say there is a particular lesson, in the sense that for ten years I've been supporting reforms. I supported them in Bucharest, I also support them in Chisinau. Now I think what is happening differently is the fact that now there is a real opportunity for reform and, as I said, a desire for reform that seems to be much more anchored in the economic situation of the Republic of Moldova, which does not have the safety nets that Romania has, cannot stand idly by hoping that there is a plan B, C, D, E.

AGERPRES: And in order to be a healthy economy, what are the main priorities? What would you change tomorrow, if you were to change something?

Claudiu Nasui: That is what I will tell you on another occasion, after we will publicly communicate with all the reform projects that we will start.

AGERPRES: The International Commodity Exchange was inaugurated here, in Chisinau. What does it mean for the economy of the Republic of Moldova?

Claudiu Nasui: It means access to capital, a fairer and more optimal allocation of capital. It means people who can save with a better return, it means companies that can finance themselves better, cheaper, but also be kept in check and disciplined by the private entrepreneur and private owners, and private investors, much better than it would be by the state. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Catalin Alexandru; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)