In a world where creativity drives growth, Moldova is quietly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for creative services in Eastern Europe. With over 2,700 companies and 13,000 professionals, the country has seen a remarkable 16% increase in creative enterprises between 2020 and 2023. This growth has piqued the interest of international markets and investors, leading to Moldova’s upcoming participation at Expo 2025 Osaka.
Despite its small size, Moldova has made a name for itself in the digital creative landscape. Through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Behance, designers, animators, sound engineers, and multimedia producers from Moldova have found success globally. The country boasts a young workforce with strong educational foundations and an affordable high-speed internet infrastructure that supports this shift towards digital creativity.
Moldova’s success story is not just about individual talents but also about strategic advantages such as its burgeoning tech sector and government support for the ICT industry. The introduction of a flat seven per cent tax rate for IT companies within Moldova IT Park has been instrumental in fostering a digital economy that now attracts creative startups. Efforts are underway to extend similar incentives to the creative industries to unlock further growth potential.
Universities in Moldova are adapting their curricula to meet the rising demand for creative skills. New programs focused on animation, multimedia production, and game design are equipping graduates with the tools needed to enter both local and international job markets successfully.
International collaborations play a significant role in fueling Moldova’s creative sector expansion. Partnerships with Japanese institutions have exposed Moldovan professionals to global trends in animation and gaming. Figures like Sho Sato and organizations like Crunchyroll have contributed to shaping Moldova’s presence in digital storytelling while modernizing cultural venues within the country.
The upcoming workshop at Expo Osaka 2025 titled
“Moldova Meets Japan: A Journey through Anime and Gaming”
will be a platform to showcase Moldova’s creative potential on an international stage. Through themes such as Play to Invest , Creative Moldova , Learning Moldova , this event aims to highlight how local talent is blending global influences into original content within the gaming and animation industries.
Natalia Bejan from Invest Moldova Agency emphasizes the rapid evolution of Moldova’s creative sector:
“Moldovan creativity is on the rise—with talent that resonates globally. At Expo 2025 Osaka, we aim not only to present ideas but also build partnerships that propel this industry forward.”
To bring alive Moldovan creativity at Expo 2025 Osaka, seven prominent companies affiliated with Creative Industries Association COR will showcase their innovative work ranging from digital storytelling to AR/VR experiences:
1. NRG Media
2. bully! entertainment
3. Lidia Scarlat
4.Casa Imago
5.Mihai Stamati Design Studio
6.Profile Communications
7.Racketa Production
This participation marks an important milestone for Moldova as it establishes its place on the global creative map by leveraging competitive professionals, strong partnerships,and institutional support.
