Programmes

East Invest 2 runs concurrently with East Invest 1, focusing more specifically on DCFTAs and providing training to BSOs and SMEs on doing business with the EU, complemented by visiting potential EU business partners and learning how to do business in Europe through the Roadshow Facility of East Invest 1.

Objectives

To support the development of a more conducive economic environment and competitive private sector while enhancing trade flows and investments between the EU Member States and the Eastern Neighbourhood.

Beneficiaries

Business Support Organisations and SMEs from the EU and the six Eastern Partnership countries, which have a potential for developing mutual cooperation and investment relations.

Activities

• BSO capacity building (Twinnings, BSO Exchanges and Academies);
• SME Academies;
• Public-Private Dialogue Activities;
• Annual Conferences.

Results

• An interactive network of over 100 BSOs from the Eastern Partnership and the EU created. Within this network a sub-network of Eastern Partnership BSOs was formed to promote regional cooperation across the 6 countries.

• About 150 Eastern Partnership BSOs trained on different topics to improve their services to SMEs and to enhance their membership base, as well as to engage in Public Private Dialogue (PPD). 13 Twinnings between the EU and the EaP BSOs, 24 BSO exchanges, 5 BSO Academies and 30 PPD trainings were carried out to that effect.
• Over 340 SMEs trained through 12 SMEs Academies in export readiness, DCFTA requirements and the EU acquis in the agri-food sector, as well as on marketing techniques and participation in international affairs.
• A Regional Position Paper (RPP) was developed with recommendations for policy makers to improve the business environment in the EaO countries in which about 200 Private Sector Organisations (Business Associations) took part.

Website

http://www.east-invest2.eu