Between January 20 and 21, 2022, a delegation of producers from the Republic of Moldova visited production, marketing facilities in the fields of agri-food, tourism, engineering and research in Prahova County. The visit was jointly organized by UNDP – EU4Moldova Program, with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network, the Romanian Cluster Association, InPulse Partner, the Inter Bio association and the Bio Concept cluster Prahova Valley, which in addition to farmers also includes the University of Petroleum and Gas and Spiru Haret University of Bucharest.

In addition to the presentation of the research facilities made to the University of Petroleum and Gas from Ploiești and USH Pro Business, the delegation also visited the facilities of the producers from the Bio Concept cluster Valea Prahova, as well as Cris Tim and Casa Timiș. They also had meetings with the management of the Danube Engineering Hub cluster and members of the Inter Bio (organic farming) cluster consortia as well as the Wallachia Hub – the regional consortium for South Muntenia.

The delegation had positive appreciations regarding the way in which the Bio Concept Prahova Valea cluster was developed and evolved, as well as the quality of the cooperation between the regional and thematic clusters. Following the visit to UPG Ploiești, the Faculty of Economic Sciences, they appreciated the involvement of the academic environment in the development of clusters.

During the visit, a peak moment that left a strong impression on the delegation was the visit to the Mugura dairy factory and the Casa Timiș agro-tourist complex where they had the opportunity to have discussions with Mr. Radu Timiș, one of the biggest brands of people. . business in Romania.

Particular emphasis was placed on the advantages of organic farming presented by Mr. Costin Lianu, President of Inter Bio, Ms. Teodora Aldescu, President of the Proecologic Sistem Association and Mr. Lucian Neacșu, General Manager of Senator Wines. The latter outlined the practical steps of the transition from conventional to organic in the wine-growing field with the presentation of exceptional organic wines.

“We believe that this visit lays the foundations for an inter-cluster collaboration that will strengthen economic relations with our neighbors in the Republic of Moldova,” said Costin Lianu, president of Inter Bio and CEO of USH Pro Business, Bucharest.

„Part of the positive experience of the Bio Concept cluster Prahova Valley aroused a special interest from our colleagues from the Republic of Moldova. We have the opportunity to transmit our expertise in this field carried out through the Ploiești Export Business Center “, said prof. Univ. dr. Rădulescu Irina Gabriela, dean of the Faculty of Economic Sciences, UPG Ploiești and vice-president of the Association of Export Business Centers.

“The idea of ​​smart specialization between regional clusters, digitalization in agriculture will resonate among the participants. We are open to cooperation with the Wallachia Hub consortium, which has set up the only digital innovation center in the South Muntenia region, ”said Costin Trandafir, president of Wallachia eHub.

“I accompanied the entire delegation on a visit to both Iasi and Ploiesti, noting that in Prahova County, the cluster movement in Romania is extremely dynamic and can be a worthy example to follow for our colleagues in Moldova,” said Daniel . Coşniță, president of the Clustero association.