Free Economic Zone Valkaneș

The Valkaneș Free Economic Zone was established in 1998 in the town of Vulcănești, situated in the autonomous region of Gagauzia in southern Moldova. Spanning approximately 122 hectares, it is one of the nation's largest industrial zones, benefiting from its proximity to both the Romanian and Ukrainian borders and the Danube river basin. The zone's economic profile is diverse, encompassing fuel storage facilities, construction material manufacturing, and the production of industrial fiberglass meshes and packaging. Its strategic location and connection to the national railway network make it a handy logistical base for companies looking to export to European and CIS markets. Valkaneș FEZ has successfully attracted international investors by offering long-term tax holidays and simplified customs procedures. As a major employer in Gagauzia, the zone has been instrumental in modernizing local infrastructure and shifting the regional economy toward high-value industrial manufacturing. It continues to be a vital component of Moldova's strategy to promote regional development through targeted foreign direct investment.

Nearby cities

Bender

Bender, also known as Tighina, is a historical city on the right bank of the Dniester.

Cahul

Cahul is a university city and a well-known spa resort in southern Moldova.

Ungheni

Ungheni is located on the border with Romania, on the Prut River.

Durlești

Durlești is a suburb of Chișinău, part of the capital municipality.

Comrat

Comrat is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia in southern Moldova.

Ceadîr-Lunga

Ceadîr-Lunga is the second largest city in Gagauzia.

Căușeni

Căușeni is a city in southeastern Moldova.

Hîncești

Hîncești is located southwest of Chișinău and is famous for the impressive Manuc Bei Manor.

Codru

Codru is a city within the Chișinău municipality.

Slobozia

Slobozia is located south of Tiraspol on the left bank of the Dniester.

Ialoveni

Ialoveni is located south of Chișinău and is world-famous for its wine production.

Vulcănești

Vulcănești is a city in the extreme south of Moldova, part of Gagauzia.

Leova

Leova is situated on the eastern bank of the Prut River in southwestern Moldova.

Călărași

Călărași is situated in a picturesque hilly area in central Moldova.

Taraclia

Taraclia is the center of the Bulgarian minority in Moldova.

History & landmarks

Chisinau City Hall

The Chisinau City Hall is a historic monument built in 1901 in a Venetian Gothic style.

Mileștii Mici

Home to the world's largest wine cellar according to Guinness World Records, featuring over 200 kilometers of underground limestone tunnels.

Lower Prut Plain

The Lower Prut Plain is the southernmost part of Moldova.

Nature

Beleu Lake

Beleu Lake is a relict lake in the Prut valley and the heart of the Lower Prut Reserve.

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Lower Prut Reserve

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Moldova encompasses Lake Beleu and vital wetlands.

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Manta Lake

Manta Lake is the largest natural lake in Moldova.

Giurgiulesti Confluence

The southernmost point of Moldova marks the confluence of the Prut and the Danube.

More places

Basarabeasca Old Town

The historic core of Basarabeasca with 19th-century buildings.

Giurgiulești International Free Port

Moldova's only port with access to the Black Sea via the Danube river.

Cahul Cannery

A major fruit and vegetable processing center in southern Moldova, contributing to the economic stability of the Cahul region.