The Economy of Pridnestrovie in 2024: the report of the Ministry

The Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic Alexander Korshunov and the heads of the parliamentary committees heard information on the activities of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic in 2024. The report was presented by the head of the department, Sergei Obolonik. The minister emphasized that the economy developed in difficult conditions: Moldova introduced customs duties for Pridnestrovian importers from January 1, the blocking of exports of a number of industrial enterprises and the banking blockade, which hinders the preferential trade regime with the EU, remained. The activities of enterprises were limited due to the reduction in natural gas supplies. State of emergency was introduced in Pridnestrovie at the end of 2024, due to the worsening situation in the energy sector.

According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the volume of industrial production amounted to 15.9 billion rubles in 2024. An increase was observed in ferrous metallurgy (+ 11.2%). Negative production dynamics persisted in industries that produce goods for export. The largest decline was in the chemical (-46.7%) and electrical (-24.4%) industries, as well as in the light industry.

The volume of export deliveries decreased by 1.3%, the volume of imports decreased by 27.4%.

Sergey Obolonik emphasized that an analysis of the economic situation was carried out during the year. The Forecast of Socio-Economic Development for 2025 was developed on its basis, which was adopted by the Supreme Council and became the basis for the formation of budget parameters for 2025.

State support measures

A set of measures of state support for enterprises in various sectors of the economy was finalized and extended in 2024, the board meeting noted. The program of preferential lending to organizations in such areas as industry, agriculture, tourism, where part of the interest rate in the amount of 6% is subsidized by the state at the expense of the republican budget, also continued. 3 such loans were provided in industry, 25 in agriculture in 2024.

State support measures continued to operate in the sphere of foreign economic activity. This includes extending the validity period of the customs procedure for the temporary import of goods and providing deferrals or installments for payment of customs duties without charging interest.

The process of developing alternative energy began last year. For example, import customs duties on solar panels and wind generators were zeroed. The procedure for importing equipment intended for generating energy from alternative sources has been simplified for citizens.

Entrepreneurship and Tourism

The Entrepreneurship Development Fund financed projects and events that contributed to the development of entrepreneurship and tourism in Pridnestrovie last year. For example, a business school operated, and festivals, exhibitions, fairs, and seminars were held within the framework of the “Buy Pridnestrovian!” project.

According to Sergey Obolonik, the creation of a positive tourist image of the republic continued together with the Tourism Agency. Articles about Pridnestrovie were placed in foreign specialized magazines, and booklets were produced. The tourist infrastructure was replenished with 62 tourist signs to attractions, 8 information stands were installed, trolleybuses were pasted with images of Pridnestrovie's attractions, and the Adventure Race "Tourist" was held. 13 new tourist routes have been developed, there are already 63 of them in total. 8 infotours have been organized for 103 representatives of travel agencies from 15 countries, meetings have been held with representatives of the tourism business from foreign countries, including Germany, Italy, and Turkey.

Tourists were partially reimbursed for the cost of tours and excursions in Pridnestrovie in the amount of 696.3 thousand rubles (cashback) last year. The implementation of the plan for the development of rural tourism continued.

Energy crisis

The Ministry of Economic Development did a lot of work on the eve of and during the acute phase of the energy crisis. A reserve of natural gas was produced in gas transmission networks in December. According to the plan, power supply to the population, social facilities, and food enterprises was ensured. Specialists from subordinate organizations eliminated thousands of accidents in heating, electricity, and water supply networks. The volume of industrial production fell by 52.2% compared to the same period in 2024 in 2 months, due to the suspension of activities of 40 large enterprises and a number of other economic agents. Employees of enterprises were sent on downtime and vacations, some workers quit. As a result, the volumes of exports and imports fell, and state budget revenues dropped extremely.

The report on the results of 2024 presented the activities of the Ministry of Economic Development in 30 areas. Among them there are investment activities, the capital investment program, the road industry and transport sector, tariff policy and citizens' appeals. The Ministry of Economic Development developed 71 legislative initiatives last year, they were sent to the Supreme Council, and 1 Resolution of the Supreme Council of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.

After hearing the report of Sergei Obolonik, the Chairman of the Government Alexander Rosenberg noted the high professionalism of the employees and management of the Ministry of Economic Development. He emphasized that Pridnestrovie is now living in new conditions and in a new history, therefore it is necessary to look for new approaches to the socio-economic development of the republic. The head of the highest executive authority outlined the priority areas of the ministry’s activities in the near future.