Moderator – Catalina Plinschi, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization
Speakers: Irina Stamatovic, Project Coordinator in Help, implementing partner of Helvetas in RECONOMY, Eugenia Danu, President of ABSL Moldova, Executive Director of DOPOMOGA GROUP in Moldova, Vasile Putina, Chief Technology officer at Pentalog, Vice President of Technology at Globant, Pavel Liber, CEO of Nations Digital Platform
Catalina Plinschi, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization:
“The economies of Eurasian countries are experiencing a significant shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in the tech and service sectors, due to ongoing brain drain as talent migrates to the West. Official statistics indicate that in 2024, Moldova’s labor force stood at 900,000 people, marking a 3.7% decline compared to the second quarter of 2023. The employed population also saw a decrease of 3.8% year-over-year.
In Moldova’s ICT sector alone, there are over 33,000 employees, contributing 6.7% to the country’s GDP. However, with an annual average growth of only 2,900 new employees, the sector is struggling to keep pace with demand. These indicators highlight that Moldova, like many other Eurasian nations, is grappling with the effects of brain drain, which continues to impact its workforce and economic development.”
Irina Stamatovic, Project Coordinator in Help, implementing partner of Helvetas in RECONOMY
“Brain drain poses a significant threat not only to the current economy but also to future generations. While moving abroad may seem like the easiest path to better opportunities, remaining in one’s home country presents both challenges and potential rewards. The rapid development of technology, particularly AI-driven innovations, is transforming the labor market, creating new opportunities through freelancing and remote work. These trends offer a viable alternative for talent to stay and thrive locally. Additionally, Moldova’s flat tax rate presents a compelling model for the region, fostering a more attractive environment for tech professionals and businesses alike.”
Eugenia Danu, President of ABSL Moldova, Executive Director of DOPOMOGA GROUP in Moldova
“Engaging with the diaspora is crucial for supporting Moldova’s local economy. At ABSL, we actively collaborate with the diaspora by offering benefits and creating strong linkages to facilitate their reintegration. Our association operates across multiple channels, focusing on business development, investment opportunities, knowledge sharing, workforce engagement, and professional networking.
A key driver of this engagement is the growing export of business and technology services, which creates attractive career opportunities for highly skilled professionals from the diaspora. By working in Moldova, they can earn salaries close to European levels while staying and developing their careers at home. This not only strengthens the local workforce but also enhances Moldova’s competitiveness on the international market. Furthermore, the presence of global companies sets high industry standards, fostering a dynamic and innovative business environment.”
Vasile Putina, Chief Technology officer at Pentalog, Vice President of Technology at Globant
“Great people want to work with great people, which is why we invest heavily in leveraging knowledge and expertise. Our approach focuses on building specialized groups, or “studios,” where professionals collaborate to drive growth and innovation. These studios serve as pools of experts who share insights on development strategies, technological advancements, and industry-specific knowledge—whether in AI or specialized engineering processes.
We provide content support, mentorship, and a structured environment for knowledge exchange. What sets this model apart is the transformative role of AI. As AI reshapes industries, there are two ways to approach it—fear its impact on jobs or embrace it as a powerful tool for progress. Having worked with AI for the past decade, we firmly believe in harnessing its potential to enhance lives, drive efficiency, and create new opportunities for growth.”
Pavel Liber, CEO of Nations Digital Platform
“Our goal at Nations Digital Platform is to bring together 70,000 people through culture and social activities within a secure digital space, fostering connections both within the country and across borders. This initiative builds bridges between those living abroad and those at home, encouraging collaboration and future contributions.
While our tools are designed to support the diaspora, maintaining meaningful connections is just as important as creating them. A digital platform helps facilitate these interactions, but technology alone is not enough—people must come first. Strong relationships need to be established before digital solutions can effectively support them. Culture serves as a powerful way to unite the diaspora. By aggregating cultural events on digital platforms, we create an inviting space where people from all over the world can engage, participate, and feel connected to their roots in a way that is both familiar and meaningful.”
