According to him, an asymmetric pattern has developed: digital commerce in Moldova mainly serves import flows, while the export potential of e-commerce remains almost untapped.
“Made in Moldova” – a product for marketplaces
According to Mircea Baciu, in a number of Central and Eastern European countries, small business has become a rapidly growing segment of cross-border e-commerce. For Moldova it remains underdeveloped, although RM has competitive niches – food and wine, textiles, wood products, handicrafts and natural products, souvenirs, etc.,” he said.
“In European e-commerce, these are the categories that are constantly in demand as authentic brands with a clearly defined “Made in Moldova” origin. At the same time, the scale of small exports from Moldova remains limited and does not correspond to the country’s production potential. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for more than 98% of companies in the Moldovan economy, providing 60% of jobs. However, their share in exports remains well below potential. At the same time, the domestic e-commerce market has already been formed: according to experts, e-commerce accounts for about 10% of retail sales,” the businessman said.
Barriers to entering foreign markets
The expert highlighted a number of systemic limitations.
“In the case of small businesses, export is still associated with high institutional and logistical barriers. These are complicated and lengthy customs procedures; high cost of international delivery of small shipments (may require compensation from the state as a means of export development and trade balance equalization); lack of consolidation logistics; complicated and lengthy VAT refund procedures; lack of systemic support for access to the markets of China and Europe.”
Because of this, a significant part of producers either do not export directly or work through intermediaries, losing part of the added value.
