Switzerland and UNDP will continue to invest in Moldova's economic development under the second phase of the Resilient and Inclusive Markets project, with a budget of over $4 million
In particular, the Resilient and Inclusive Markets in Moldova project, funded by the Swiss government and implemented by the United Nations Development Program in Moldova (UNDP Moldova), is entering its second phase (2025-2029) with a budget of over $4 million. During the first phase, from 2023 to 2025, this project contributed to strengthening socio-economic cohesion in three beneficiary economic clusters covering 24 settlements with a population of about 66 thousand people. During the first phase of the project, the following were established and developed: the “Heart of the Dniester” tourism cluster in the Dubasari and Criuleni districts, the “Cimislia-Basarabeasca” sheep and goat breeding cluster, and the Herbafruct horticultural cluster in the Ungheni and Nisporeni districts. An economic cluster is a group of companies, institutions, and organizations that are interconnected and positioned at the local level, working in the same or related sectors. As part of the project, 52 private companies modernized their infrastructure and production processes and implemented energy efficiency solutions, which increased productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, 10 digital transformation solutions were implemented, which optimized business operations. Three investment portfolios for clusters were developed and are being promoted both locally and internationally. More than 300 people, including young people and women, improved their entrepreneurial skills by participating in mentoring programs, training, study tours, etc. Two vocational training courses in animal husbandry and rural tourism were developed and accredited. As a result of the project, 533 jobs have been created, improved, or preserved. Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova, noted that the success of the first phase of the “Resilient and Inclusive Markets in Moldova” project has shown what results are possible when local ambitions meet international support. “As we move forward, our goal is to strengthen the local economy by supporting clusters that are globally competitive but remain deeply rooted in their communities,” he said. UNDP Resident Representative in Moldova Daniela Gasparikova noted that the long-standing partnership between UNDP and Switzerland has delivered tangible results and real change in the lives of communities in Moldova. “In this new phase of the Resilient and Inclusive Markets in Moldova project, we aim to expand the impact achieved at the local level by supporting new clusters that will create and sustain decent jobs, enhance competitiveness, and stimulate local economic development,” she emphasized. During the second phase of the project, three more clusters will be selected to receive support for intellectual specialization of economic clusters. Three regions, which will be selected on a competitive basis, will receive support for smart economic specialization in the form of clusters. All six clusters (three existing and three new) will receive both grant funding and specialized technical assistance for value chain analysis, the introduction of modern technologies, and innovative solutions. This will contribute to the development of entrepreneurial skills and the integration of products into retail trade and foreign markets. The project aims to further promote inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economic development in Moldova and ensure equal access to decent jobs at the local and regional levels. At the same time, the project will contribute to the development of a more effective regulatory framework, promoting the creation of favorable conditions for the development of the business environment, as well as encouraging cooperation between economic actors, with a focus on the inclusion of the local population, returning migrants, and refugees. The proposed policy measures and tools developed will facilitate access to finance for SMEs and economic clusters, promote the development of value chains, the introduction of modern technologies, and increase competitiveness. UNDP and Switzerland supported the development and launch of the National Industrialization Program in the first phase of the project. At the same time, UNDP, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden supported the development of six deregulation packages, which have resulted in annual savings of over 838 million lei through simplified procedures, reduced bureaucracy, and easier business operations. Since 2019, UNDP Moldova and its partners—the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom—have supported the formation and development of 17 clusters, investing $4.8 million. The areas covered include livestock farming, horticulture, tourism, and industry. The clusters are designed to create greater added value for local economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. // 22.05.2025 — InfoMarket.
