WB supports Moldovan companies' development

The World Bank will encourage the Moldovan companies to develop their businesses by strengthening the investment and marketing positions. From September 1, the companies will benefit from grants to access business consultancy services, Info-Prim Neo reports. The grants will be provided within the World Bank's Competitiveness Enhancement Project that has been implemented in Moldova since 2006. It aims to enhance the companies' competitiveness by improving the business environment and modernizing the MSTQ system. The project has a co-financing component designed for the Moldovan companies that implement the international quality management systems ISO and HACCP. About 140 companies obtained grants of 50% of the implementation costs and quality certificates within this component that is managed by the Chamber of Trade and Industry. About 200 more companies, mainly from the SME sector, will receive grants of 50% of the costs of the business consultancy services used by them to implement ISO systems and extend their businesses. A company will be offered at most US$10,000. Sergiu Harea, the head of the Chamber's Economic Development Division, said the companies asked for a number of consultancy services, including consultancy in drawing up business plans, plans to reorganize and restructure subdivisions or companies, in conducting feasibility studies and marketing researches, planning investments and improving employees' skills. The grants will not be used to pay the VAT, employees' salaries, the rent, for equipment, and other operational costs. The project is open to all the companies that make products and provide services and are registered in Moldova.