INTERVIEW: Igor Makarov Discusses Moldova’s Energy Future and Longstanding Ties to the Country in TV8 Interview

On September 21, 2026, Igor Makarov appeared on Moldova’s TV8 channel for a wide-ranging interview on Novaya Nedelya (“The New Week”) with journalist Anatoliy Golia. The conversation covered Moldova’s energy outlook, opportunities for long-term investment, social responsibility, and Makarov’s longstanding personal and business connection with the country. TV8 introduced the interview by highlighting Makarov’s earlier role in supplying gas to Moldova and his previous involvement in the country’s energy sector.
A central theme of the discussion was the possibility of ARETI renewing its business presence in Moldova. Makarov said his team has begun examining opportunities not only in natural gas, but also in other areas of the energy sector, petroleum products and finance. He stressed that meaningful energy projects require long-term planning and cooperation, describing a five- to ten-year roadmap as the appropriate framework for sustainable investment.

The interview followed a working meeting in Chișinău with Moldova’s Prime Minister Vasile Tofan and Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu. Makarov said the discussion addressed Moldova’s energy needs and the challenges of the coming winter, as well as possibilities for future cooperation.

Makarov also announced readiness to support targeted charitable initiatives in Moldova. He proposed helping hospitals and other social institutions facing high energy costs, emphasizing that such assistance should be provided directly and transparently. As he explained during the interview, ARETI has traditionally combined its business activities in the countries where it operates with support for local communities.

Igor Makarov’s relationship with Moldova dates back more than three decades. ITERA, the former international energy company he founded in 1992, supplied natural gas to Moldova during the 1990s and early 2000s. In the interview, Makarov recalled the company’s participation in a number of Moldovan industrial and energy projects.
In October 2002 Makarov was awarded Moldova’s Ordinul „Gloria Muncii” (Order of Labour Glory) for his contribution to the revitalization of enterprises and the stable supply of energy resources to the country. Makarov has also been a citizen of the Republic of Moldova since 2005.

Looking ahead, Makarov described Moldova as potentially more than a relatively small energy market. Because of its geographic position, he believes the country could develop a broader role in regional energy infrastructure and play a focal point in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Among the ideas discussed were diversification of energy sources, long-term gas-supply planning and the potential development of gas-storage infrastructure through a public-private partnership, subject to detailed technical and economic assessment.
The interview also offered a broader look at Makarov’s career, from his years as a professional cyclist and member of the USSR national cycling team to the creation of ITERA and, later, ARETI International Group. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized the importance of finding solutions that create mutual value for investors, governments and local communities.

Watch the full interview with Igor Makarov on TV8:
https://www.youtube.com/live/401F-eMSSyU?si=pU6Tpde-tmkQr_nS