A Business Information and Consultancy Center was opened in the municipality of Balti. Its goal is to to develop and promote entrepreneurial skills and culture by providing business information and consultancy services in the northern region of Moldova. The Center is part of the regional network of the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) and became operational with the financial support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, IPN reports.
Attending the inaugural ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, said that the Center represents a new platform that will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs in northern Moldova. “This location will be a consultation and guidance center for those who are at the beginning of their path and for those who want to choose entrepreneurship as a career option. We want to have more entrepreneurs in this country because this way we will be able to have a larger, more dynamic and more competitive economy,” stated Dumitru Alaiba.
EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova Jānis Mažeiks noted that the Business Information and Consultancy Center opened today in Balti is a concrete example of the support provided by the EU and its member states. “This Center will serve as a vital point for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses, providing essential consultancy and support services. The Centre is a valuable resource for those who are at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey or for those who want to expand their businesses,” said the EU official.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Margret Maria Uebber said the inauguration of the Center represents an important moment in supporting businesses in Balti. The expansion of ODA’s services in the norther part is a valuable and logical step for further strengthening the region. “Improving the business environment, creating jobs and thus providing a perspective for young Moldovans at home are among the main objectives of the German cooperation. By stimulating objectives and improving the legislative framework for sustainable economic development, the German cooperation has contributed to the creation of more than 15,000 jobs since 2015, some of which within the German companies. In this regard, it was important not to focus only on the Chisinau region, but to go beyond and work in other regions of the country too. The north, especially the area around Balti municipality, has developed into a growth pole in Moldova,” stated Margret Maria Uebber.
Mayor of Balti Alexandr Petkov said that the local administration will continue to show openness to European funds so as to bring European modernization to the municipality. “We are sure that the second largest city in Moldova should look different. It must look like a modern city, with European infrastructure, like a developing city of which we should not be ashamed in the future,” noted the mayor.
ODA interim director Gheorghe Iudin said that the Business Information and Consultancy Center has a clear objective – to develop human capital by promoting entrepreneurial skills and culture. “High-quality information and consultancy services will be provided here through support programs and tools managed by ODA, including “373” and FACEM (e.n: Fund for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth of Moldova). These services are crucial for supporting businesses to become more competitive and resilient – essential pillars for a healthy and diversified economy,” stated Gheorghe Iudin.
The Business Information and Consultancy Center is located inside the Applied Metrology and Certification Center at 13 Decebal St, Balti city.