Press releases

Today, 18 November 2021project results presented funded by the European Union “Support for HMEs in rural areas”. The financial support provided by the European Union, amounting to EUR 4 millionhas been directed, via The Organisation for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (ODSME)for the implementation of the National Programmes “APPARENTLY 1 + 1” “Women in Business” and The Digitalisation Support Tool. During the three and a half years implementing the Project, 568 companies were financially supported for a total amount of approximately RON 91 million, which generated more than RON 163 million in investments in the national economy.

The online event, dedicated to the results achieved during the 3 and a half years of activity, highlighted the objectives agreed at the beginning of the project, which turned into tangible achievements for Moldovan citizens. Examples have also been given to companies, which have received European support for starting or developing a business in rural areas, and their products or services have become national brands and have also been successful in other external markets.

Through projects implemented by ODIMM with the financial support provided by the European Unionjob creation, especially in rural areas, and the creation of business support infrastructure in the regions have contributed significantly to the development of small businesses.

“Modernising the economy of rural areas, in particular by providing the necessary support to develop local businesses so that they become sustainable, is one of the priorities of our cooperation with the Republic of Moldova. The financial support provided by the European Union for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises in the regions of the Republic of Moldova will certainly generate new jobs in rural areas, improve people’s well-being and increase the budget of local public authorities through the taxes and charges to be paid by these companies. We count on these benefits to be reinvested in continued local development so that, with joint efforts, we contribute to a better life for the citizens of the country. The European Union will continue to provide support to the Republic of Moldova through the EU Economic Recovery Plan for the Republic of Moldova, which aims to boost long-term socio-economic recovery, encourage the green and digital transition, and unleash the country’s economic potential, all of which – for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, because together we are stronger!”stated Magdalena MUELLER-URI, Head of the Cooperation Section, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Minister for the Economy, Sergiu Gaibuthanked the European Union for its support for the business community in the Republic of Moldova on its way to modernisation, digitalisation and internationalisation.

“We have a very high business concentration in Chisinau and too few in rural areas. We need to develop rural areas to create conditions for doing business in these regions as well. We thank the European Union for the support provided under this programme and for the flexibility offered, which has allowed us to intervene with changes in crisis situations, such as this pandemic period. We at the Ministry of Economy will continue to support the rural area, come with new projects. Together with ODIMM we will identify disadvantaged areas with economic potential to sustain the business in the regions”.

“Among the main results we are proud of is the direct assistance for the capitalisation of the “PARE 1 + 1”, “Women in Business” and the “Support Instrument for the Digitalisation of the HMM” programmes. The impact of technical and financial assistance programmes and international projects funded by the European Union have made a key contribution to increasing the competitiveness of the HMM sector and the capacities of ODSMEs to provide quality services to domestic entrepreneurs. Today, many ODSME initiatives are seen as successful models in the Eastern European region and are being multiplied in these countries to help reduce migration, increase investment in the economy and improve people’s well-being”stated Iulia Costin, Director General of ODIMM.

Entrepreneurs who have received European financial support include: Victor Zaharciuc from the village of Mărculești, Florești district, inspired by a healthy lifestyle, he started a bud farming business. The young person accessed EU funding through the programme “APPARENTLY 1 + 1”based on parents working abroad. The grant obtained allowed him to procure a piling system for black-cuttings, propagating material, but also a truck for transporting fruit. The business is now going well and has managed to establish business partnerships in Romania.

“The European grant shaped my much-worried business idea for which I did not have sufficient financial resources to materialise it. Without this support it would have been more difficult for me to start my business. Moreover, the training courses under the Programme gave me the chance to build connections with other producers in the country, with whom I subsequently worked together”he said Victor Zaharciuc.

Entrepreneurship Victoria Mușinschi from Molovata Nouă, Dubăsari he is the founder of a symbolic guesthouse “Gilthead sea bream”. The foundation of the business was laid thanks to the European support obtained through the Programmes “Look 1 + 1”, “Women in Business” and The ‘Digitalisation Support Tool’.

“We, women, are endowed with enormous potential, which we do not always have the courage and determination to harness. The ODSME programmes have given me confidence that you can also develop a business in the Republic of Moldova, and European grants have been a cornerstone of my business”.

About the EU project “Support for HMM in rural areas”

In 2018, the European Union provided direct assistance to ODSMEs, amounting to EUR 4 millionfor the capitalisation of the National Programmes: “Look 1 + 1”, “Women in Business” and “Support instrument on digitalisation of the HLEI” . Overall objective of the Project “Support for HMEs in rural areas” it is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of rural life for the sustainable development of the Republic of Moldova, with a duration of 3 and a half years (1 June 2018 – 30 November 2021).

The expected outcome of this European initiative is to provide opportunities for economic empowerment, especially for women and migrants, to initiate and develop rural businesses to create new jobs and develop infrastructure in rural areas.

The direct aim of this project is to reduce economic and social disparities by introducing active employment initiatives, developing rural small and medium-sized enterprises, attracting foreign investment and reducing the flow of migration from rural areas to urban areas or even abroad.