Managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the agrifood and food products processing sector during three days will be taught by European experts how to export to the European Union. The training seminars will be held at the SME Academy that was launched by the Chamber of Trade and Industry in cooperation with the EU-funded East Invest 2 Project, IPN reports.

Chamber of Trade and Industry deputy chairman Mihai Balba, in the opening of the SME Academy, said any national producer should find a niche on the EU market and should identify methods for promoting their products. The training within the East Invest 2 Project will facilitate export from Moldova to the EU. Last year, 65% of Moldova’s exports went to the EU. To penetrate the EU market, one should have competitive and high-quality products and skilled employees.

Speranta Olaru, the representative of the EU Delegation to Moldova, said the EU during the last few years laid emphasis on the SMEs and creation of new businesses in the provision of its assistance. There were opened eight business incubators and two more are to be opened in the near future.

Ilie Volovei, division head at the Ministry of Economy, said the authorities are making effort to extend the range of products that are exported to the EU. EBRD BAS National Program Manager Veronica Arpintin noted the improvement of the capacities to export to the EU is a strong point for these companies to become more competitive at foreign level.

The training at the SME Academy will center on subjects related to the EU regulations and technical standards, marketing and participation by companies in international fairs and exhibitions. The seminars will be taught by specialists of the EU and Eastern Partnership.