Press releases

“In 13 years of activity, ODSMEs have become a reliable partner for both the private sector and development partners, providing access to support tools for around 140 000 people, of which 80 000 companies have had access to business advisory services, 33 000 entrepreneurs have been trained. Over 3600 companies have gained access to financing for a total of RON 500 million, which has generated around RON 1.2 billion in investment in the national economy and around 7 300 jobs”. The statement was made by Minister Sergiu Railean at the briefing on the 13th anniversary of the Organisation for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

The aim of the organisation is to support the development of the sector in line with the priorities set out in development strategies and programmes.The Republic of Moldova has today a network of 11 business incubators located in virtually all districts of the country, as well as 2 Clusters in the southern and northern regions of the Republic.

“In the context of the economic and commercial transformations brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, the ODSME team has worked continuously, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to the full range of online business support tools, with more than 4000 consultations for entrepreneurs, and transfers worth RON 29.5 million for 258 beneficiaries”, the Minister said.

According to ODIMM Director-General Iulia Costin, the evolution of the SME sector and the national economy was the joint result of entrepreneurs, business support organisations, local public authorities, donors, the ODIMM team and not least the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

“Over the course of 13 years of activity, the ODIMM team has launched support tools that have transformed the business culture in the Republic of Moldova and today many of them are considered successful models and are being called upon to multiply in neighbouring countries,” said Yulia Costin.

Successful business programmes managed by ODIMM include: PARE 1 + 1 Economic Discharge Programme, Women in Business Programme, Credit Guarantee Fund, Fair and Exhibition Promotion Programme, Business Support Infrastructure and Youth Start Programme.

Pfor the support of Business Support Infrastructure at regional level, an amount of RON 2 020 million was allocated from the state budget for 2,2 for the development of Business Incubators and the continuation of post-crisis activities. A new Support Programme for small and medium-sized enterprises in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, worth RON 20 million, is also expected to be launched. This programme will help producers to sell their products online. At the same time, it will be launched The National Programme for Greening SMEs, which will supports companies in the country to apply environmentally friendly business models and technologies.

According to ODIMM Director-General Iulia Costin, during the current year it will be launch a distance learning platform “Virtual Academy for Entrepreneurs’approved and launched “Business support programme with high growth potential and internationalisation” and ‘ The Cluster Initiatives pilot support programme’ and many other initiatives to support entrepreneurs.

Finally, Minister Sergiu Railean thanked ODIMM colleagues for their efforts to support the business environment in the country, wishing them perseverance, much to say in everything they do and as many competitive businesses as possible.