Abstract. In this article the object of the study are factors influencing competitiveness of a national economy; and its main goal is to identify those factors that hinder the growth of competitiveness of the Russian and Moldovan economies. The following methods have been used in the research process: observation and data collection, method of scientific abstractions, comparative analysis. The study showed that the Russian economy is more competitive than the Moldovan one, but still most of the factors holding back the growth of the Russian economy are identical to those that impede the growth of the Moldovan one. In conclusion authors stated what factors governments should focus their attention on while developing strategies for an economic growth.