The Organization for Small and Medium Enterprise Sector Development (ODIMM) today signed agreements under the Pare 1+1 Program to fund 65 new businesses started by Moldovan migrants who returned home.
Under the PARE 1+1 principle, the Program grants one leu for every leu invested by the beneficiaries.
Acting ODIMM director Petru Gurgurov told a press conference that the 65 new businesses will contribute to the economic development of 29 districts, including through the creation of new jobs. The total investment, including both the beneficiaries’ own contribution and the grant component, amounts to about 40 million lei. Businesses are in the agricultural field, in the processing industry, as well as in the provision of services, including medical.
Iulia Costin, state secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, said the authorities are working to identify mechanisms and opportunities to encourage migrant Moldovans all over the world to return home. “Build the foundation of a future for you and your children. The MEI and ODIMM will stand by your side not only now, as you start your businesses, but also throughout operations in order to give advice and support in overcoming any difficulties”, said Iulia Costin.
The money to support the Program come from the State Budget and EU funds. Iva Stamenova, representative of the EU Delegation in Chisinau, said that the European Union wants Moldovan entrepreneurs to feel comfortable. “It is important that you inform yourselves about the funding instruments that the EU and other donors offer, and access them,” said the official.
The entrepreneurs who signed the contacts made several proposals to improve the procedure for obtaining funding under this program as well as other programs. They include online registration for funding, as well as business consulting.
The PARE 1+1 Program was launched in 2010 and its implementation started in 2011.
