GIFP BUSINESS PARK

The Business Park of Giurgiulesti International Free Port provides investors an excellent location directly situated at the border of the European Union, with tri-modal transport infrastructure and connections in a low-cost environment and benefitting from a unique tax and customs regime.

 

Investors can set up their businesses within the business park by leasing land, offices, warehouses or open storage facilities. In addition, Danube Logistics offers potential investors associated services ranging from logistics to various support and administrative services.

Investor Questionnaire

Inexpensive, Multi-lingual Labor Force

Moldova has a population of 2.6 million (2022). Out of that total, 70% of the population is multi-lingual, and 80% attain secondary education. The average monthly wage in 2024 is about USD 765/EUR 717 compared to 1605 EUR in Romania and 1020 EUR in Bulgaria.

 

Proximity to EU, CIS and Turkish Markets

Through Moldova there are accessible major world markets such as EU Market carrying 508 million population, CIS + Ukraine Market with 282 million as well as the Turkish Market with a population of 80 millions.

 

Emerging Market

In 2023 the Republic of Moldova achieved a modest economic growth of 0,7%.

Agricultural production increased by 23.6% in 2023.

Industrial production decreased by 3.6% in 2023.

Budget revenues rose by 9% in 2023.

 

Free Trade Regimes with EU and CIS Markets

Since 2001 the Republic of Moldova is a full-right member of the WTO. In addition, Moldova has signed Free Trade Agreements with 47 countries, amongst them EU-28 member states (DCFTA since 2014), CIS member-states, Members of Central European Free Trade Agreement and Türkiye.

In June 2023, Moldova signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, expected to come into effect in 2024.

Moldova also has the benefit of several preferential trade agreements with Canada, Japan and USA.

Investment Opportunities

There are numerous investment opportunities in such businesses as Agriculture and Food Processing, Assembly and Manufacturing and Logistics.

 

Agriculture and Food Processing
Moldova possesses over 2.5 million hectares of highly fertile agricultural land and sufficient water resources to assure high land productivity. This, together with the favorable climacteric conditions and the predominantly well-educated and inexpensive work force, as well as the free trade regimes, forms a favorable background for investing in agribusiness.

 

Assembly and Manufacturing
The combination of well-educated, inexpensive workforce and leveraging free trade agreements calls for profitability in labor intensive industries (i.e. automotive suppliers, textile industry etc.) and in industries that are affected by trade barriers to the EU and CIS markets.

 

Logistics
Moldova serves as an ideal location for storage and distribution of goods to Central, Eastern and Southern European, CIS and Turkish markets; good connection by road, sea, river, Narrow-gauge rail network and Broad-gauge rail network, as well as air.

Location

The Business Park is located within Giurgiulesti International Free Port on the maritime section of the river Danube in the Republic of Moldova in close proximity to the borders with Romania and Ukraine. Due to its geographic location, Moldova’s preferential trade regimes and well-developed transportation infrastructure, residents of GIFP’s Business Park benefit from an easy access to the markets in the EU as well as the CIS.

 

Unique Transportation Links to EU and CIS Markets

GIFP Business Park residents may export goods to or import goods from the EU by rail via GIFP’s standard gauge rail terminal, by truck (0.5 km from Romanian border, 260 km to Bucharest), by river barges via the Danube or by maritime vessels via the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The Moldovan and other markets located within Ukraine can be easily accessed by road (0.5 km to Ukrainian border, 230 km to Chisinau), railway via GIFP’s broad gauge rail terminal or by Maritime vessels via the Black Sea.

 

Tax Incentives & Favorable Customs Regime

The favorable tax and customs regime applicable to GIFP Business Park residents can be summarized as follows:

 

  • — 75% reduction of corporate income tax during the first 10 years of operation (currently 3% instead of 12%) starting from the 1st year of declaring the taxable income and a 50% reduction for the remaining period until 2030;
  • — exemption from excise taxes and import VAT;
  • — exemption from import and export duties for imported and exported goods, including those ones originated in GIFP;
  • — payment between GIFP residents in EUR and USD possible;
  • — exemption of foreign employees from social insurance contributions.

 

Unlike in Moldovan free economic zones, where activities are typically limited to certain types of activities, the residents of GIFP Business Park have the right to undertake any activity that is ordinarily allowed in Moldova. Investors may also be 100% foreign owned, freely repatriate their profits and are not subject to revenue-based investment fees or minimum investment obligations.

 

Quality of GIFP Business Park Infrastructure

GIFP Business Park is a green field development with newly constructed utility and road infrastructure. All land plots leased by residents benefit from road access and the provision of infrastructure connections for electricity, water, gas and fibre-optic telecommunication connections up to the border of the respective land plot.

 

Low Operating Expenses

With an official average wage of only USD 765 / EUR 717 per month, Moldova’s multi-lingual labor force remains the most competitive labor force in Europe.

Apart from favorable payroll expenses, GIFP Business Park residents also benefit from relatively inexpensive utility charges:

 

Electricity — 1.87 MDL (0.10 $) per kWh for 10 kV; 2.34 MDL (0.13 $) per kWh for 0.4 kV (as of 21.03.2024);
Gas — 13.3980 MDL (0.75 $) per m³ low pressure (as of 31.03.2024);
Fresh water supply — 30 lei/m³ (1.68 $) per m³.

 

Available Human Resources
GIFP Business Park close proximity to Romania (Galati 17km) and Ukraine (Reni 8km) attracts work force not only from Moldova but also from Romania and Ukraine.

Moldova (up to 60 km) – 100,000 population
Galati (Romania – 17 km) – 330,000 population
Reni region, Ukraine (8 km) – 41,000 population

Lease of Land

There is a selection of land plots available for long-term leases which will be connected to electricity, gas, water, telecommunications and road infrastructure which are located in close proximity to rail and port infrastructure. Usually, such long-term leases for example for a period of 25 years for the purpose of investments into storage facilities require upfront payment of the rental fees.

 

Lease of Warehouse or Open Storage

Currently, Danube Logistics does not offer warehouses leases. However, other tenants in GIFP might have warehouse capacities available. Open storage areas for short-term storage are available.

 

Lease of Offices

There are small and large office spaces available for short-to long-term leases within GIFP Office Park. All offices are connected to electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications.

 

Advisory Services

Upon request the management of GIFP Business Park can provide advisory services or respective contacts on issues ranging from the incorporation of a company in Moldova, permitting and other legal matters, project management, construction permitting/management, procurement issues as well as recruitment of human resources.

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24.02.2026
THE DANUBE LOGISTICS TEAM CONTINUES TO DEVELOP ITS ENERGY MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE

Professional development in energy management: Svetlana Știrbu, HSE specialist, Veaceslav Sarabaș, fire protection engineer, and Alexandr Mititel, accountant, from the Danube Logistics team have successfully completed the online course “Energy management system according to SR EN ISO 50001:2018 standard. Energy management system auditor according to SR EN ISO 50001:2018 and ISO 19011:2018 standards”, strengthening our expertise in energy efficiency and energy management system auditing.

 

The course, organized by SRAC SERVICII GRUP S.R.L. in Romania from January 26 to 30, 2026, allowed the three trainees to acquire advanced skills in the implementation, auditing, and continuous improvement of the energy management system. Most importantly for our operational performance, following the completion of this course, the three colleagues have obtained the certification of internal auditors for energy management systems and are now authorized to plan, organize and conduct internal audits of management systems in accordance with ISO 19011:2018, apply audit techniques and evaluate evidence, formulate nonconformities and improvement opportunities, prepare audit reports and monitor corrective actions, thus actively contributing to the continuous improvement of both energy performance and the management system.

 

This specialized training is part of our ongoing commitment to optimize energy management and increase energy efficiency of the operations of Giurgiulești International Free Port following the successful EN ISO 50001:2018 certification obtained on June 25, 2025, issued by SRAC and IQNet.

 

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18.02.2026
DANUBE LOGISTICS CONTRIBUTES TO DISCUSSIONS ON MODERNIZING AND DIGITALIZING CUSTOMS PROCEDURES

Today, Danube Logistics management participated in a business meeting organized by the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova in partnership with the European Business Association (EBA Moldova), an event dedicated to strengthening dialogue with the business community.

 

The meeting provided an open forum for discussing priorities for modernizing, digitizing, and streamlining customs processes, as well as addressing practical issues in the day-to-day operations of economic operators.

 

Danube Logistics was represented by Deputy general manager Ms. Ala Aydov. In her speech, Ms. Aydov noted the positive developments in the work of the Customs Service, highlighting the progress made in standardizing practices, developing IT systems, and fostering a constructive climate for international trade. At the same time, our Deputy general director mentioned the need to review certain procedures related to the formalization of the movement of goods within Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP). Ms. Ala Aydov also emphasized the importance of a continuing constant and constructive dialogue between the authorities and the business community to ensure clear, efficient procedures that are aligned with European standards.

 

Danube Logistics’ participation in this event reconfirms the commitment of GIFP  to transparency and institutional cooperation, as well as its willingness to continue working with the Customs Service to support a competitive and sustainable business environment in the Republic of Moldova.

 

Photo credit: Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, European Business Association Moldova

 

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14.02.2026
THE GOVERNMENT OF ROMANIA ANNOUNCES THE PURCHASE IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE BY THE MARITIME PORTS ADMINISTRATION SA CONSTANȚA OF THE OPERATOR OF THE GIURGIULEȘTI PORT IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

The Government welcomes the transaction nearing completion by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the purchase of the operator of the Giurgiulesti International Port, ICS Danube Logistics, by the National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanta.

 

On 31 December 2025, the EBRD signed the Share Purchase Agreement for the sale of 100% of its shares held in ICS Danube Logistics, the operator of Giurgiulești International Port, to the National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanța. The transaction was approved by the shareholders of the Port of Constanța on 12 February 2026.

 

Through this acquisition, Romania, via the National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanța, undertakes firm commitments regarding the long-term development of the Giurgiulești International Port and the strengthening of its position in the Black Sea region and the Danube basin. Significant long-term investments are envisaged to increase the port’s capacity, improve and modernize infrastructure, and consolidate its strategic importance in the area.

 

The investment will also contribute to the development of maritime capacities and to strengthening the role of the Port of Constanța in the Black Sea region, especially in the current geopolitical context, with the objective of transforming it into a regional hub ensuring interconnection between the European Union and neighboring regions.

 

At the same time, this transaction provides additional leverage for operators in Romania and the Republic of Moldova to support the future reconstruction process of Ukraine.

 

The transaction contributes to strengthening the strategic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, stimulating the economic and commercial relations between the two states. As the main port of the Republic of Moldova, the Giurgiulești International Port manages over 70% of imports and exports carried out by waterway, ensuring the Republic of Moldova’s supply chains for multiple types of goods.

 

Additional information:

 

The Giurgiulesti International Port, located at the mouths of the Danube, just a few kilometres from the border with Romania and close to the border with Ukraine, can receive both river and sea vessels. The port infrastructure includes an oil terminal, two grain terminals, a terminal for other goods and a business park.

 

The National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanta submitted its first bid on 24 April 2025 within the tender organized by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the majority shareholder of ICS Danube Logistics.

 

Source: Press release of the Government of Romania

 

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12.02.2026
EBRD TO EXIT GIURGIULESTI INTERNATIONAL FREE PORT (GIFP)
  • — EBRD agrees to sell Danube Logistics, operator of Moldova’s GIFP, after global M&A tender process
  • — Romania’s Port of Constanta will become the sole owner of Danube Logistics
  • — Moldovan and Romanian governments support and welcome the transaction

 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is set to complete the sale of Danube Logistics, the operator of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP), to the Romanian state-owned Port of Constanta. The transaction is expected to close imminently.  The Bank signed the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) on 31 December 2025 for the sale of 100 per cent of its shares in ICS Danube Logistics, the operator of GIFP, to Romania’s National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA Constanta (Port of Constanta). The approval of the SPA was announced by Port of Constanța on 12 February 2026.

 

This agreement is the result of an extensive global mergers and acquisitions tender process run by the EBRD to identify a long-term strategic investor committed to developing the port and strengthening the integration of the Republic of Moldova into regional and global trade networks. The process drew strong international interest, highlighting the port’s strategic value on the Danube and its growing role in regional logistics corridors.

 

The Port of Constanta commits to significant long-term investment in the further development of the port. The strategic objective is to expand its capacity, enhance its infrastructure, and reinforce its position in the Black Sea region and the Danube basin. These investments are expected to increase the port’s competitiveness, strengthen Moldova’s logistical resilience, and bolster trade links throughout the region.

 

The transaction underlines the strategic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, supporting deeper economic and trade ties. As Moldova’s main maritime gateway, GIFP handles more than 70 per cent of the country’s waterborne imports and exports, playing a critical role in maintaining supply chains and supporting economic stability. The strategic role of GIFP has increased in the region and the port is well positioned to serve for the future reconstruction of Ukraine.

 

The Port of Constanta brings to Moldova not only capital, but also decades of operational expertise and a strong record of managing major maritime infrastructure. Its strategic plan for GIFP includes sustainable modernisation of port infrastructure; expansion of capacity, including new berths and land development; broader service offerings for operators; and synergies and integration with Constanta’s Black Sea trade network. These enhancements aim to transform GIFP into a more competitive and resilient port, fully embedded into European transport corridors.

 

Since acquiring Danube Logistics in 2021, the EBRD has been the sole owner of the port. Under the EBRD’s stewardship, the port has achieved consistent growth, significantly higher throughput volumes, revenues and profitability. As a result, Danube Logistics now benefits from a robust capital structure and diverse cargo handling and storage capabilities.  The agreement reached with Port of Constanta fulfils the EBRD’s stated aim of ultimately exiting GIFP to a long-term strategic investor to strengthen GIFP’s role in European trade.

 

Giuseppe Grimaldi, EBRD Head of Moldova, said: “The EBRD worked closely with the Governments of Moldova and Romania throughout the transaction and appreciates their constructive cooperation, which was instrumental to the successful completion of this landmark transaction in the region. It has also been a pleasure to collaborate with the management of Danube Logistics over the past decade in the development of this strategic port. This transaction marks a milestone for Moldova’s economic development and integration into regional and global trade networks. It also demonstrates the growing investor confidence in Moldova’s potential and its strategic importance as a logistics and transport hub for the wider region. As a longterm partner of Moldova, the EBRD welcomes this development and remains committed to supporting infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.”

 

Mathias von Tucher, CEO of Danube Logistics, said: “This transaction marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the port’s development. As the operator of Moldova’s main sea-river port, Danube Logistics has worked hard to position Giurgiulești International Free Port as a vital gateway for trade, investment, and economic growth — not just for Moldova, but for the entire region. We are deeply grateful for the EBRD’s support during these transformative years. Under the new ownership of the Port of Constanta, we look forward to further expanding the port’s capacity and capabilities, ensuring seamless operations, and building strong synergies within the broader regional transport network.”

 

Source: EBRD press release

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