The geography of investment projects covers all districts of the country. The largest volume of investments was recorded in Chisinau municipality, where 2.566 billion lei was invested. Next comes the Center region with 1.892 billion lei, the investments in the North region amounted to 965 million lei. The South region received considerably less – 347 million lei, and the autonomous unit Gagauzia – 233 million lei.
Preferential credits went to production and energy supply, which accounted for 37% of the total value of the projects. The manufacturing sector received 18% of the credit funds, while transportation and storage – 13%. Significant investments were also made in health, education and leisure.
Launched in the summer of 2023, the business soft loan program has undergone a number of improvements over time. Access to finance has been widened and procedures simplified. Currently, trade (excluding trade in alcoholic beverages and tobacco products) and vehicle maintenance can now receive financing under a simplified procedure.
The maximum amount of credit has been increased from 15 to 40 million lei, and the possibility of financing the purchase of raw materials necessary for production or rendering services is now limited to 30% of the investment project’s value. At the same time, the maximum amount of guarantee has been increased from 40% to 80% of the loan amount at the expense of the Credit Guarantee Fund.
An important change is also the possibility to combine loans granted under the 373 Program with other forms of non-repayable financial and non-financial support administered by the Entrepreneurship Development Organization.
This summer, the government extended the “373” Investment Incentive Program until 2028. The government’s decision also introduces a number of technical adjustments aimed at speeding up the process of evaluation and approval of investment projects.
