Context:
Moldova’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) increased significantly from 2000 to 2021. Yet productivity and competitiveness remain low – especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Structural drawbacks such as the shortage of skilled workers, energy vulnerability, limited market access and a vocational training system heavily based on theory hinder export growth and economic convergence with the European Union (EU).
Objective:
Moldovan companies can become more competitive and exploit new sales opportunities, principally on EU markets.
Approach:
The project concentrates on three aspects:
- It helps ministries and public agencies to develop common strategies and action plans for exports, in order to make the best use of opportunities arising from EU accession.
- It supports export promotion agencies, chambers and business associations in creating practical advisory services and training courses for SMEs.
- It advises SMEs directly and supports them as they implement their export strategies.
- An additional focus is raising the quality of the dual vocational training system. To this end, the project trains teachers and trainers, and creates common standards in practical training. As a result, trainees acquire more practical skills and help make SMEs more competitive.
The project utilises potentials for cooperation with German businesses, for example by networking Moldovan producers with German purchasers. It also applies digital solutions. The project attaches particular importance to equal opportunities: it specifically promotes enterprises run by women, and young women and career entrants, e.g. through gender-sensitive promotional instruments, tailored training programmes and networks. The process of selecting eligible companies takes environmental and climate-action aspects into consideration.