Project Summary:

The Advanced Cross-River Capacities for Trade Project facilitates cross-river cooperation and expands access of enterprises from left bank of Nistru (particularly micro, small and medium sized enterprises - MSMEs) to export promotion mechanisms available on the right bank.

The project provides tailored support and develops capacities based on specific needs of current and future exporters, but also provisions methodological and practical assistance to establish long-term trade links and to promote exports. In the framework of this initiative, existing companies and start-ups will be supported to create new jobs for women and vulnerable groups.

These goals will be achieved through cross-river exchange of knowledge and experience, but also by understanding the opportunities provided by the DCFTA and the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed between the UK and Moldova. At the same time, benefiting companies and associations will learn from best practices of businesses from Eastern and Central Europe.

Main efforts will be dedicated to reviving the MSMEs sector which is underdeveloped on the left bank of Nistru.

Objectives:

To ensure that men and women on both banks of the Nistru River have improved livelihoods and living conditions, due to enhanced cross-river cooperation to access the opportunities offered by Moldova’s external trade arrangements, contributing to an environment of trust and cooperation:

• Improved cross-river exchange of information, knowledge and experience on the export promotion mechanisms on the right bank, and awareness-raising on the opportunities provided by external trade agreements;
• Enhanced competitiveness and joint exports of business communities from both riverbanks with a particular focus on cluster and value chain development and export promotion;
• Enhanced capacities for policy formulation leading to a conducive environment on both banks and reduction of barriers to trade and economic cooperation;
• Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across the Nistru river, in particular those led by women and benefiting vulnerable groups, are enabled to produce more competitive products.

Expected results:

• An improved regulatory and institutional framework for cross-river trade and integration of the left bank of Nistru’s exporters into the Moldovan external trade;
• Increased awareness among companies and business associations on the left bank of Nistru on the opportunities provided by DCFTA/Strategic partnership, trade and cooperation agreement with UK, as well as the technical steps needed to access EU and UK markets;
• Improved capacities of business associations on both banks (at least 10 from the left bank of Nistru) to advocate for, cooperate and support the interests of the business communities across the river;
• Improved business environment due to effective advocacy/lobby measures on reduction of barriers to trade and economic cooperation;

• Over 70 companies from the left bank of Nistru received consultancy/certification support from cross river business development services institutions/networks to promote their exports, resulting in at least 20 partnerships or contracts signed;

• At least 40 companies improved their competitiveness due to the assured infrastructure through at least 5 clusters created; 

• More than 200 jobs created on both banks as a result of the support provided;

• 55 start-ups initiated/new companies accelerated, with at least 60% led by women;

• 5 social entrepreneurs supported;

• 15 companies adopted Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles;

• 5 companies have successfully implemented energy-efficient and renewable energy source technologies.
   

Accomplishments:

• 1723 representatives of the companies and business associations (847 left bank/876 right bank, out of which 860 women) have increased the awareness regarding the opportunities provided by the DCFTA and UK-Moldova Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Additionally, in 2024, 340 company representatives gained a better understanding of the opportunities offered by the foreign trade agreements and steps required to access EU and UK markets, as well as legal and customs procedures and existing international trade agreements;
• 9 business associations from both banks (5 left bank/ 4 right bank) capacitated to effectively advocate, cooperate and support the interests of business communities across the river. Additionally in 2024, 17 BAs improved their service delivery and consulting support for MSME members;
• 9 partnerships between business associations and relevant CSOs from both banks of Nistru river established, including one women business association;
• 92 companies (28 from the left bank) received business development support and increased their exports, resulting in 37 signed contracts and 120 new jobs created. Additionally, in 2024, 89 companies from the left bank received consultancy support from cross-river business support organisations to promote their exports, resulting in at least 20 partnerships or contracts signed;
• 26 exporting companies (11 left bank/15 right bank) have improved their competitiveness by adopting technological innovations and increasing their capacity for expanding their business operations abroad. Additionally, in 2024, 25 tailored MSME export plans were elaborated and 67 companies from both banks were consulted on extended producer responsibility for packaging and adapted to businesses on the left bank;
• 123 companies from both banks (105 right bank/27 left bank) identified relevant partners (foreign distributors, retail chains and potential business partners) by attending B2B meetings and partner search activities implemented by the project. Additionally, in 2024, 46 SMEs representatives from both banks, including 17 women, participated in 5 study visits and gained critical insights into global market trends;
• At least 10 companies from both banks (5 from the left bank, improved their competitiveness due to the provided equipment. Additionally, in 2024, 23 enterprises (including 20 women own) received business development support, including training, coaching, and equipment;
• 6 cross-river clusters were created and supported, uniting a total of 125 members, including: 74 from the private sector (14 left bank), 16 from the public sector, 19 from the associative sector (2 left bank), and 16 from R&D and education;
• 326 jobs were created, out of which 167 on the right bank and 159 on the left bank, out of which 199 for women;
• 89 companies, out of which 55 run by women, have been supported including 52 startups launched;  
• 142 women received mentoring and coaching, with 113 from the left bank;
• 2 deregulation packages were proposed and approved, updating 66 laws and norms to streamline SME regulations, reduce red tape, and potentially generate savings of 194 million MDL;
• Under social entrepreneurship sector development component a new NGO - Association of Social Entrepreneurs, aiming to provide necessary support for social business on the left bank, 5 newly created or developed social businesses on the left bank (3 lead by women), 75 consultations and over 20 technical meetings organized, 214 participants, including 170 women, during 6 fairs, community engagement events as well as Social Entrepreneurship Summer School for 22 girls;
• 2 processing facilities supported, allowing for cooperation of SMEs in joint export promotion in agri-food sector;
• Increased digital literacy of more than 500 women and girls, through equipped 5 STEEAM (science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, and maths) classes on the left bank, one freelance school for women (including 21 refugees), IT courses for rural women.