A new EU-funded project to support SMEs in Moldova will be launched in 2018, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Octavian Calmic has announced, according to the NOI.md website.
Calmic made the announcement at a meeting with local officials and stakeholders in the Cantemir District, where they discussed local infrastructure projects, support for SMEs in rural areas, and the development of the agri-food sector.
Referring to the challenges of economic development in the regions, the minister said entrepreneurs who implemented innovative ideas and technologies in production, not only provided quality services but were able to compete on both domestic and export markets.
"To this end, in 2018, with the support of the EU, we will implement a project to support small and medium enterprises worth about €6.5 million," the Minister said.
The project will be a component of a broader programme for Development of Rural Areas in the Republic of Moldova, focusing on EU investment support for SME development and job creation in rural areas.
The Moldovan government is committed to implement reforms to support the development of SMEs. EU4Business programmes complement these efforts by improving access to finance, helping SMEs move into foreign markets and providing training to build up business skills. Specific technical help is available to Moldovan SMEs to make sure they can make the most of the country’s free trade agreement with the EU.