Six more companies in Moldova have achieved compliance with ISO quality management standards as part of the World Bank’s project “Competitiveness Enhancement in Moldova”. The fresh holders of ISO certificates are the companies “Europlast – Chisinau”, Cosnita Cannery, “Palplast” based in Calarasi, Codru hotel chain, “Cristal-Fluor” based in Floresti, and “Gordincom” based in Rascani. Other 13 Moldovan companies received ISO certificates during 2007. Aurel Casian, project coordinator at the World Bank Country Office in Chisinau, stated at the certificate awarding ceremony on Friday that despite some scepticism about the enthusiasm of the Moldovan businesses for this project, some 170 companies have involved themselves in this process during 2007, although at start their estimated number was 120. Casian remarked that the Moldovan businessmen don’t regard the money spent to acquire ISO certification as a financial loss, but as a long-term investment. Nearly 90 Moldovan companies hold quality management certificates, among which are “Franteluta”, “Aroma”, “Incomlac”., “Milestii Mici”, “Vinaria Bardar”, “Efes Vitanta” Moldova Brewery, “Vismos” etc. The Moldovan companies get ISO certification with the help of SGS Company. ISO 9001:2000 specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organisation demonstrates its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and regulatory requirements, and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system. This type of certification has become a prerequisite for the organisations willing to win tender competitions, to increase exports and develop prestigious partnerships. The implementation of the ISO 9001:2001 quality management system offers a range of benefits like gaining the consumers’ trust in the quality of the services provided and products supplied, increasing the efficiency of the organisation, improving its reputation, and other. SGS (Societe Generale de Surveillance) based in Geneva is a global leader in verification, testing and certification. It is represented in over 140 countries.