The Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) announced it is exploring options for creating a stock exchange in Chișinău, together with the Moldovan state and other partners from Moldova.

"The Bucharest Stock Exchange sees immense potential in the Moldovan economy," the BVB said in a press release. "Developing a competitive capital market through the Chișinău Stock Exchange will unlock this potential and promote broader economic integration."

Moldova already has a stock exchange, with an insignificant liquidity, and remains unclear whether the Moldovan Stock Exchange is among the partners envisaged by the BVB.

The BVB said it aims to provide access to financing to companies from Moldova, “which, together with those from Romania, would become regional leaders over time”.

Purcari Wineries is currently the sole Moldovan company listed on the BVB. Based in Moldova, Purcari operates wineries in both Moldova and Romania and has been trading on the BVB since February 2018.

Other Moldovan companies have expressed interest in listing on the BVB. Notably, Moldova-Agroindbank (maib), the country's largest bank, has announced plans to go public on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

Moldcell, Moldova's second-largest telecommunications operator, was also considering listing its shares on the BVB.

These developments indicate a growing trend among Moldovan companies to access broader capital markets through listings on the BVB, aiming to enhance their growth prospects and regional presence.