Moldova - 2.6 Storage Assessment 

All consulted parties have agreed that finding storage facilities is a challenge in Moldova, especially outside of Chisinau. Some organizations have reported using old buildings not specifically designed for logistics operations and reconditioning them to fit this purpose. Nonetheless, an increasing number of warehouses are being built around Chisinau. In this context, the European Union, as part of the Solidarity Lane, is planning to build in the next 5 years a logistical hub in the capital. 

Lastly, there are seven Free Economic Zones (FEZ) and two Industrial Parks available in Moldova. These FEZs are parts of the customs territory of Moldova and are established at the proposal of the Government. The full list of FEZ in Moldova is the following: 

  • FEZ "Expo-Business-Chisinau" (Free Enterprise Zone "Expo-Business-Chisinau"); 

  • FEZ "Ungheni-Business"; 

  • FEZ "Balti"; 

  • FEZ "Valkanes Industrial Park"; 

  • FEZ "Tvardita"; 

  • FEZ "Taraclia Industrial Park"; 

  • FEZ "Otaci-Business Industrial Park"; 

and two industrial zones: 

  • Marculesti International Free Airport; 

  • Giurgiulesti International Free Port. 

Additional information on Free Economic Zones and Industrial Parks can be found here: https://trade.gov.md/en/articles/titlul-en and https://www.iplatforms.gov.md/en 

Several humanitarian organizations have used or are using the industrial warehouse space in Industrialnaya which is 12000 sqm.   

Storage Used by Humanitarian Organizations 

  • Vitra Logistics has provided warehousing and 3PL services to several humanitarian agencies, including UNFPA, UNHCR, IFRC, Solidarites International, DRC, NRC, and UNICEF. The company operates four storage spaces with a combined capacity of 18,000 square metres and a capacity of over 15,000 pallets. It also provides temperature sensitive storage from +5°C to +25°C, at 2 locations in Chisinau strategically located near the Customs Terminal.  

  • WFP was leasing the warehouse space of 1200sqm on Industrialnaya St 59 in Chisinau. The space is managed with support of DHL and accepts only palletized cargo (150cm height max) with proper shipping documents. This warehouse, is used by IFRC and UNICEF. The warehouse operates from Monday to Friday on 0800-1700. Warehouse movements must be planned at least 24 hours in advance. The warehouse is shared with commercial entities.  

WFP supported the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection with management of warehouse in Vatra called MOLDCOOPIMEX" (Plopilar16). The warehouse was managed through the contract with DHL (provision of workers and packaging material), volunteers (Moldova for Peace) and patients from rehabilitation centre on Saturdays.  

  • The UNHCR warehouse is located close to Vatra and offers limited space for other partners. Expansion of space using MSUs is not workable in this location 

  • ECHO is preparing a 5000sqm warehouse, 2500sqm out of which will be made available for other partners. Assorted cargo, consigned to the GoM, will not be accepted in this location. 

  • Virtual warehouse solutions with ACTED and UNHCR. The project has been endorsed by MLSP.  The platform will combine UAHelp requests with available humanitarian stocks in different warehouse locations.   

  • Acted and the International Rescue Committee both have warehouses in Chisinau as back up to the response in Ukraine.