ATIPIC International: EU Trade Policy & Moldova Export Stories

ATIPIC International: EU Trade Policy & Moldova Export Stories

Date: October 16, 2026
Location: Palas Congress Hall, Sala Mozart
Format: Regional economic conference
Organizers: ATIPIC Entrepreneurial Community & Iași Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the support of the Suceava and Vaslui Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Context: A partner event organized as part of the European Commission’s Trade Policy Day. 

Event Description

On October 16, 2026, ATIPIC, together with the Iași Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will organize a regional conference in Iași dedicated to international trade, competitiveness, and export opportunities for companies in the Moldova region.

The event is organized within the context of the European EU Trade Policy agenda, with a focus on how the European Union’s trade policies connect with the real economy in the regions and with the needs of SMEs seeking to internationalize.

The conference will bring together representatives of the European Commission, business leaders, regional organizations, and exporters from our region.

Agenda

09:30–10:00 Registration, welcome coffee & networking

 10.00-10.05

Opening

The conference opening will highlight the event’s main objective: connecting the Moldova region to the European agenda on trade policy, competitiveness, and internationalization.

• Andrei Ungureanu, President of the ATIPIC Entrepreneurial Community

10.05-10.20

European Commission Presentation

• Flavia Ferrasson, Trade Policy Officer, DG Trade and Economic Security, European Commission

10.20-11.10

Panel 1

EU Trade Policy, Competitiveness and the Internationalization of Romanian SMEs

The panel will address how European trade policies connect with the economic realities of the regions and the specific needs of SMEs.

The discussion will bring together the European Commission’s perspective, the experience of the European business community, and relevant examples for entrepreneurs from the Moldova region.

Discussion topics:

• How international trade is changing for SMEs in the current context.
• What European tools can support companies seeking to access markets outside the EU.
• How the Moldova region can become more competitive and better connected to international markets.
• What local companies lack in order to export more confidently: information, financing, contacts, infrastructure, strategy, or confidence.
• How we can connect local entrepreneurs to genuine European networks and concrete internationalization opportunities.

Moderator: Lucian Bălănuță

Guests:

• Flavia Ferrasson, Trade Policy Officer, DG Trade and Economic Security, European Commission
• Amalia Georgescu, Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Iași
• Claudiu Mitrea, Expert, Sectoral Specialization Office, North-East Regional Development Agency
• Paul Butnariu, President, Iași Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Andrei Ungureanu, President of the ATIPIC Entrepreneurial Community and EU Trade Champion 

11.10-12.30

Panel 2

The Moldova Region and International Markets

The panel will include representatives of exporters from the region, who will share real-world experiences, concrete challenges, and useful lessons for other companies from the Moldova region seeking to internationalize.

Moderator: Marius Alexe

Guests:

• Victor Deleanu – General Manager, Casa de Vinuri COTNARI
• George Safir – General Manager, FAMILIA SAFIR Holding
• Alina Chifan – Commercial Director, EGGER Romania
• Mihai Țopa – General Manager, SELF TRUST (tbc)
• Andrei Dănilă, CEO, CODE 932

Discussion topics:

• The first international markets entered.
• Export challenges: documentation, certifications, partners, logistics, payments, and business culture.
• How commercial relationships are built within the EU and in non-EU countries.
• What kind of support would be useful for companies taking their first steps in exporting.
• Opportunities for the Moldova region in international trade.

12.30-13.30

Networking Lunch

A networking lunch dedicated to creating direct connections between speakers, exporters, entrepreneurs, institutional partners, and representatives of the business community.

Participation in this event is free, with prior registration, subject to availability.