Three microregions will boost local economic development, with Switzerland and UNDP support

The beneficiaries, selected by competition, are:

• Coșnița, Criuleni, Pîrîta, Doroțcaia and Slobozia-Dușca, with the economic specialization rural tourism
• Nisporeni, Vărzărești, Ciutești, Boldurești, Soltănești, Grozești, Bălăurești and Seliște: cultivation and processing of medical and aromatic plants
• Cimișlia, Sadaclia, Ciucur-Mingir, Cenac, Valea Perjei, Hîrtop and Mihailovca: breeding sheep and goats, as well as processing dairy and derived products

“We are very glad to be part of this initiative and also thrilled to overcome the challenge of creating the first cluster in the field of aromatic and medicinal plants in the Republic of Moldova. We are both grateful and excited as we embark on the opportunity to work alongside fellow producers, civil society groups, local authorities, and academia to advance the unique features of this sector and identify new opportunities to harness the potential of aromatic and medicinal plants and fruits, thus contributing to increasing the added value of the region," says Lucia Ușurelu, representative of the Moldovan Association of. Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Producers.

Through this support, the micro-regions will be able to develop their identified economic specialization and therefore build competitiveness on national and international markets, create decent jobs, including for vulnerable population, returned migrants and refugees from Ukraine.

The competition gathered proposals from 392 representatives of the private sector from 220 localities and 27 Moldovan districts. During February 2023, information sessions were conducted in Chișinău, Bălți, Cimișlia and Comrat, as well as an online session, attended by over 230 people. 

“Resilient and inclusive markets in Moldova” project aims at enhancing local economic development and resilience through local entrepreneurship, investments, and access to decent work for people, particularly youth, women, people with disabilities, returnees, and refugees, within communities.