Entrepreneur Expo 2023: Moldova’s Vibrant Showcase of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Approximately 100 small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Moldova are showcasing their products and services at the second edition of the “Entrepreneur Expo” exhibition, organized from November 23 to 26 by “Moldexpo” in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Organization (ODA). The exhibition aims to bring together the business community and state institutions to provide a new boost for entrepreneurial development, support, and promotion. Over the four days, ODA is conducting various informative activities for the business community, including seminars, support program presentations, business consultations, B2B sessions, etc.

At the opening ceremony, ODA Director Dumitru Pîntea emphasized the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises participating in exhibitions to identify new development and expansion opportunities in the European market. He stated that the Entrepreneurship Development Organization contributes to integrating the national economy into the EU economy, and participating in exhibitions, both national and international, is crucial for identifying new partners and diversifying the market.

Radu Marian, President of the parliamentary committee for economy, budget, and finance, thanked entrepreneurs for their significant efforts in contributing to the country’s economic development. He encouraged them to utilize ODA support mechanisms, especially the Government’s Investment Stimulus Program 373, which provides facilitated access to funding for companies.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Dumitru Alaiba stated that the government’s priority is to develop the economy and provide new opportunities for the business environment. He expressed the government’s commitment to creating a favorable climate for innovation, investments, and growth.

The ‘Entrepreneur Expo’ Exhibition is Supported by External Partners: The European Union, GIZ Moldova, and the World Bank.

‘The Sustainable Development of SMEs is at the Core of the EU’s Integrated Approach to Private Sector Development. The European Union Reaffirms its Commitment to Supporting the Republic of Moldova on its Path to a Sustainable and Inclusive Market Economy, Where SMEs are the Primary Drivers of Innovation and Job Creation,’ Declared Adam Grodzicki, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.

Karin Horhan, GIZ Moldova’s Program Director, noted the ‘Entrepreneur Expo’ will propel companies into foreign markets through B2B meetings and new partnerships. She highlighted the vital support from the German and Swiss governments for the expo’s second year. The ambitious agenda covers funding access, internationalization, and government programs for SMEs, with over 100 companies and 5,000 visitors expected, underscoring the event’s significance for Moldova.

Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office, commended participants for their efforts in this priority for the Swiss Government. He congratulated them and expressed confidence that these days will nurture new successful partnerships.

Carolina Chiper, the general director of CIE “Moldexpo,” highlighted that “Entrepreneur Expo” is an ambitious project initiated in collaboration with ODA, reviving Moldova’s exhibition market. She noted the growth in size and significance of the exhibition, showcasing a diverse range of products and services from small producers in various sectors.

This year’s edition brings together around 100 participants from diverse industries, including food industry, light industry, tourism, interior design, furniture, construction, and energy. It also includes services for entrepreneurs, such as financial, credit, accounting, legal institutions, as well as investment companies, consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, and various services.

During the exhibition, ODA is organizing a Business Program to inform the public about the latest government initiatives supported by the European Union regarding access to financing for entrepreneurs. The program includes seminars, thematic activities, business meetings between Moldovan SMEs and international companies, and presentations of support programs.

All economic agents participating in the exhibition have the opportunity to reimburse their participation expenses through the “Subsidy Program for the Participation of Economic Agents in Fairs and Exhibitions,” managed by ODA.

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