Valentina Uzun
Production
In order to export something, the product must be produced. For this, we need to rely on ourselves first and foremost. But one of the main helpers is the Organization for Enterprise Development (ODA).
According to Alexandru Ciobanu, head of the ODA’s information and consulting service, the organization provides financial support in the form of grants, financial guarantees and preferential loans (issued through partner banks).
Currently, ODA administers six main support programs:
- women’s entrepreneurship;
- small-scale producers;
- digital innovation and technology start-ups;
- development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector;
- increasing the competitiveness of local producers and their integration into value chains;
- a grant instrument of financial support for SME development – CREȘTEM IMM, focused on the following SME development goals: digital transformation, ecological transformation, modernization and energy efficiency.
One of them offers support for start-up entrepreneurs. The grant amount can vary from 200 thousand lei to 2 million lei – for technological start-ups.
There is a separate program for women’s entrepreneurship, offering grants of up to 600,000 lei to start a business founded or managed by a woman.
Those who plan to ecologize their business by introducing “green” solutions in production processes or services can count on grants of up to 500 thousand lei. Micro-enterprises engaged in the processing of products can also apply for the same amount.
Companies that increase the level of competitiveness and integrate into global value chains can receive up to 2 million lei, of which up to 40% – for the purchase of equipment.
Those receiving authorizations or certificates (like ISO) can count on financial support of up to 360 thousand euros.
Those who invest in digitalization, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, modern equipment can receive up to 5 million lei within CREȘTEM IMM.
And there are two types of loan products with preferential interest rates (up to 7% in lei and up to 3% in currency). But there are different options here. For example, within the FACEM Impact program, you can borrow up to 5 million lei at 4% per annum. And for actions favorable to climate change – up to 375 thousand euros.
Promotion
The product should be promoted, as well as the image of the country where it is produced. This is handled by the Investment Agency.
According to Corneliu Spinei, head of the Export Promotion Department of the Investment Agency of Moldova, last year 2,294 Moldovan companies received assistance in promoting their goods/services. 129 of them reported an increase in exports, which increased by $15.28 million.
The agency promotes 14 programs. For example:
- Bridge Export – promotion of goods and services, for which 20 million lei has been allocated from the budget this year;
- Export Missions (jointly with the World Bank) – co-financing of participation in expositions abroad;
- Bridge Missions – compensation of transportation costs for participation in expositions, up to 1500 euros per company;
- E-commerce – helps Moldovan companies to open sites on the world’s largest marketplaces;
- Export Vision – explains how to enter certain markets;
- Buy Diaspora – gives 5,000 euros each to diaspora entrepreneurs who agree to promote Moldovan goods in their country of residence.
The Agency has planned for 2026 12 economic missions in 5 countries for enterprises from six sectors of the Moldovan economy.
In addition, the agency promotes Moldova’s image in general through foreign media, advertising at airports and on board airplanes, and other similar activities.
Digitalization
According to Carolina Bugayan, the head of one of the Moldovan mobile operators, Moldova is moving quite actively towards digitalization of public services, their level currently reaches 65%. This, by the way, is not very high. Even in neighboring Ukraine this indicator is 98%. And in the Netherlands, as one of the women entrepreneurs present said, the level of digitalization is such that one does not even need to leave home to do business.
Karolina Bugaian noted that last year the Moldovan digital signature was recognized in the EU countries, which is certainly a significant achievement.
E-commerce
Ludmila Lavric, head of the customs brokerage department of one of the postal operators operating on the Moldovan market, said that Moldovan legislation currently allows for the unimpeded importation of goods bought in online stores from any country in the world.
And that the domestic legislation is gradually being modernized so that it would be possible to send goods from Moldova to European countries without hindrance. However, it is difficult to say when this process will be finalized.
Growth of 30 times
Executive Director of the Association of Light Industry Enterprises APIUS Marcela Lozovanu said that 15 years ago, when the association was created, only three companies from Moldova exported textiles under their own trademarks. Now there are 90 of them – a 30-fold increase.
The jump occurred after the launch in 2012 of the umbrella brand DinInima, under which Moldovan producers promote their products in the country and abroad. But this requires not only talented designers, but also high-quality sewing machines, plotters and overlocks.
“In this we are seriously helped by the state,” Marchela Lozovanu said. – If modern equipment is needed, the manufacturer turns to the ODA, if promotion – to the Investment Agency”.
Diversification, insurance and factoring
Valentina Uzun, the head of Azamet-Group Company, established 18 years ago, told about the export activities of her enterprise.
“During these years we have experienced a lot, – Valentina Uzun told. – And after the COVID-19 epidemic and logistical problems due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, my acquaintance said that perhaps only an alien invasion can surprise us now”.
Azamet-Group exports products related to grape cake and grape seed.
“Until 2022, our main consumers were 46 factories located in Ukraine and Russia. After the outbreak of war, only one of the Russian plants remained due to logistical problems. We had to diversify supplies to 12 countries (EU, Turkey, now South Korea is in the pipeline). However, sales by prepayment are hindered by the lack of an international insurance company in Moldova, which could guarantee such transactions. As a result, we have to give with subsequent payment and lose money because of the dishonesty of buyers,” Valentina Uzun shared.
Factoring could solve the problem, but Moldovan banks do not implement it at this level. The problem has not been solved yet.
Nielsen, the leading international analytical company providing data on consumer behavior, sales (retail audit) and media measurements, does not work in Moldova. It is the “gold standard” for analyzing FMCG markets. “We have to wander in the dark,” complains the entrepreneur.
However, she notes that the country’s image in the world has improved a lot in the last three years. “We are treated favorably because, apart from the theft of a billion, no other high-profile business scandals have happened to Moldova”.
Valentina Uzun says that the world knows about good tax conditions and that it is still possible to find people who are willing and able to work here.
“I would hang a banner at the Chisinau airport – “The Land of Opportunities”,” the businesswoman advised.
