UNDP Moldova and its partners have invested $4.8 million in cluster development across the country, including on the left bank of the Nistru/Dniester River
This was discussed during the first international event dedicated to cluster development held in Moldova. In particular, the Clusters Meet Regions international conference was held in Chisinau on October 10-11, where the participants discussed the role of clusters in regional development and smart specialization, development of digital skills, examples and opportunities for interregional and international cooperation between clusters. The event, organized by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform in partnership with UNDP Moldova and the Romanian Cluster Association - CLUSTERO, brought together more than 150 participants: entrepreneurs, experts, representatives of public authorities, clusters from Moldova, Ukraine and the European Union. The event discussed the role of clusters as dialogue partners in the design, implementation and monitoring of regional development policies and programs with a focus on smart specialization, industrial transition skills and entrepreneurship. It also addressed the role of clusters in Moldova's economic development, as well as interregional cooperation in the EU through clusters, with a special focus on the Danube and Black Sea regions. On the margins of the conference, 9 clusters from Moldova received a bronze certificate (ECEI Bronze Label “Striving for Cluster Excellence”) from the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis. These 9 clusters have a total of 235 participants and were established between 2022 and 2023 with the support of UNDP, the European Union and the Swiss Government. Bronze certification facilitates access to opportunities for cooperation with EU clusters, partnerships and the development of joint projects. Thus, it will stimulate local economic development and strengthen community resilience by supporting local entrepreneurship, attracting investment and creating new jobs. The Clusters Meet Regions Conference held in Chisinau, organized for the first time by the European Commission in a country outside the EU, as well as the 9 bronze medals won by clusters from Moldova, represent recognition of a bright start. This follows a difficult climb to excellence that development partners must continue to support in order to reap the benefits of some of the world's best cluster support programs they are currently implementing,” said Daniel Cosnita, President of the Romanian Cluster Association - CLUSTERO. “By concentrating resources and expertise, clustering turns local challenges into global opportunities for the furniture industry. Thanks to the continuous support of UNDP Moldova and the European Union, the furniture cluster has moved to a new level, and the bronze certificate we received emphasizes our strong commitment to the development and progress we are making,” emphasized Alexandru Covali, Manager of the Furniture Cluster from Ungheni district. Since 2019, UNDP Moldova and its partners - the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom - have supported the formation of 17 clusters in Moldova. These efforts contribute to local economic development as well as Moldova's integration into international business networks. Areas supported by UNDP include: animal husbandry, horticulture, tourism, and industry. In total, UNDP and its partners have invested $4.8 in cluster development across the country (including the left bank of the Nistru/Dniester River). // 11.10.2024 - InfoMarket.
