The Ministry of Economy of Moldova said the launch of a number of programs to support and encourage business is one of the important results of 2022.
According to the agency, in particular, along with the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), a program to support digital innovation and technology startups was launched, which offers small and medium-sized enterprises grants of up to 500 thousand lei to stimulate research, development and innovation in information and communication technologies. In addition, the SME Technology Modernization and Energy Efficiency Program was launched. Under this program, entrepreneurs will receive grants of up to 2 million lei from the state for technologization and re-technologization of business and up to 1.5 million lei for equipment, which will reduce energy consumption. There has been created the Fund for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth of Moldova - FACEM, a new state mechanism of financing the business environment, through which small and medium-sized enterprises will have access to long-term financing under favorable conditions, with state support. Also, "Start for Youth" program has been launched, supported by the Government, for 3 years, aimed at young people who want to start their own business. The Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) was created on the basis of the former Organization for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises Sector Development (ODIMM), with a new structure, according to the international principles of good governance. This improved the ability to implement programs and develop new products, particularly financial instruments, as well as administer the Development Fund, which is designed to provide entrepreneurs with financial resources at low interest rates. The Ministry of Economy mentioned doubling of quotas for duty free export of 7 categories of agricultural products from Moldova to EU as another important achievement of 2022: tomatoes, garlic, table grapes, apples, cherries, plums and grape juice. The Ministry of Economy signed a loan agreement with the World Bank for 47.5 million euros to increase the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises. The State Inspectorate for Non-Food Products Surveillance and Consumer Protection was established by reorganizing the Agency for Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance to improve the efficiency of this institution. In partnership with the EU, the Center for International Trade, an Eastern Partnership trade assistance platform, EaP Trade Helpdesc, was launched. Thus, entrepreneurs will have quick and easy access to trade-related information that will boost trade between Moldova and other Eastern Partnership countries and the EU. // 30.12.2022 - InfoMarket
