📋 Tender Overview
Moldova’s growth continues being volatile and jobless. More and better jobs are needed for the rural population, disproportionately affected by the effects of extreme climate events and by the war in Ukraine. The project’s second phase will enhance an inclusive, competitive and resilient economic development, by improving regulatory frameworks and business support services which benefit economic activities in rural areas.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Moldavia
Agriculture & food security
Inclusive economic Development
Disaster Risk Reduction
Agricultural development
Employment creation
Business support & economic inclusion
SME development
Tradepolicy & market system
01.05.2025 - 30.04.2029
CHF 7’564’001
The project in brief
Background In 2023, Moldova achieved the status of an EU candidate country, with accession negotiations beginning on 25 June 2024. Traditionally reliant on imports from Ukraine and Russia for inputs and energy, Moldova has also been severely affected by inflation and the energy crisis resulting from the war in Ukraine, in addition to disruptions of agricultural supply chains and food marketing channels. The conflict has led to historically high prices for agricultural inputs and fuel, and the redirection of Ukrainian exports through Moldova has further driven down Moldovan farm-gate prices.
Objectives To enhance an inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economic development at national level and promote equal access to decent work at the local and (micro)-regional levels.
Target groups
Vulnerable and left-behind Moldovans (women, low-skilled workers, youth Not in Employment, Education or Training, and refugees); migrants (diaspora, returnees); small scale farmers who are particularly affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine and climate change;
Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, as well as their agencies, such as the SME Development Agency (ODA) and the National Employement Agency;
Private sector representatives, companies and investors outside cities, as well as associations, innovation-oriented businesses;
Local public authorities at the district and municipality level.
Medium-term outcomes Outcome 1: Moldovan institutions endorse policy and legal frameworks which create an enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, SME development, decent employment and a vocational education system that responds to the needs of the labour market. Outcome 2: Moldovan economic actors, including small farmers who are hit by various shocks, including the consequences of the war in Ukraine or of climate change, are able to keep or enhance their production.
Results Expected results:
Min. 5 sets of policy changes and regulatory amendments at the national and local level leading to at least CHF 10 million (M) savings for businesses in the agrifood sector;
19,000 households
