Press releases

15 May 2025, Chisinau A new boost to support local entrepreneurs was made today by signing the Technical Assistance Agreement between the World Bank’s Blueprint Project Unit (UIPAC) and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Organisation for the Development of Entrepreneurship, the key institution in implementing the Programme for increasing the competitiveness of local producers and integration in value chains.

The EUR 700 thousand agreement is part of the Competitiveness Project of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, funded by the World Bank and implemented with the support of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The initiative aims to attract international expertise to support local firms in increasing competitiveness on external markets and at the same time contribute to strengthening the institutional capacity of ODA.

‘Through this activity, we bring internationally recognised expertise directly in support of Moldovan entrepreneurs. Today’s agreement is an investment in the future of our economy – a more competitive, connected and open economy to international markets“” said Aureliu Casian, Executive Director UIPAC.

The Suppliers Development Programme managed by ODA will last 18 months and will include direct support to 60 local manufacturing companies, which will benefit from practical advice, tools to assess integration capacity in value chains and individual improvement plans. A screening mechanism will also be created to identify the specific gaps and needs of SMEs, stemming from the requirements and standards imposed by multinational companies active in the region.

‘The programme is a real opportunity for Moldovan companies to access regional and international value chains. By involving experts from Frankfurt School, entrepreneurs will benefit from concrete mentoring and guidance tailored to global requirements. We propose not only support but transformation – from local business to international competitive suppliers.“” mentioned Alina Cebotariov, Deputy Director of ODA.

The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management will play a key role in delivering technical expertise. International experts will work directly with Moldovan companies to help them meet the standards required by large international buyers and improve their operational performance.

‘We are happy to work with ODA and UIPAC to help develop a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Moldova. We focus on the transfer of know-how, but also on creating a sustainable change in the way SMEs position themselves on the market;“” said Silke Mueffelmann, Director of International Technical Consultation Services, Frankfurt School.

We recall that on 4 March the Programme was launched for increasing the competitiveness of local producers and integrating into value chains.

Through this programme entrepreneurs can access financial support of up to RON 2 million for implementing engineering and IT solutions, applying international standards, carrying out laboratory tests and obtaining the necessary certifications. The programme also includes contracting marketing advisory services, intellectual property protection measures, acquisition of licences and participation in B2B events.

The education component of the programme will support entrepreneurs through training sessions in areas such as management, strategic planning, marketing, digitalisation, quality management, logistics and finance.

The implementation of the measures under this programme has an estimated budget of 115.5 million lei, covered by public funds and the “Competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises” project, carried out with the support of the World Bank Group.

The programme is implemented by the Organisation for the Development of Entrepreneurship and the World Bank’s Blueprint to Implementation, with the support of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the World Bank Group and the technical assistance provided by the “Severe Business and Commons for Moldova” project, financed by the Governments of Germany and Switzerland, implemented by GIZ Moldova.

For more details on the business support programmes, www.oda.md or call the Tel Consultation Centre: 022 22 57 99.