20 entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova are developing their businesses with the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan

The assistance will be allocated to modernise old production lines, improve internal processes and production control, improve waste heat recovery and efficient energy generation, and upgrade harvesting, production, storage and processing capacities in line with food safety standards.

"The awardees are from small and medium size enterprises, and their achievements are in improving the efficiency and competitiveness, as well as reducing the negative environmental impacts. I would like to congratulate the awardees on their excellent contributions to the Moldovan society in their respective areas. Small and medium sized enterprises are the backbone of economic activities in any country in the world. Big companies are naturally more famous, but the real strength of the economy lies in the health and vitality of MSMEs," said Yoichiro Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Moldova.

Thus, some beneficiaries plan to install photovoltaic panels, others, to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, buy modern, more energy-efficient equipment and automate the production process. 

"MSMEs are important contributors to the economy and job creation in Moldova and have an important role to play in leading by example in energy efficiency and environmental protection. I am confident that the grants awarded today by the Government of Japan and UNDP to 20 local businesses will contribute to increasing their productivity, while reducing impact on environment and creating decent work opportunities for local population," said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova. 

Half of the beneficiary companies are in the agri-food sector in three target micro-regions: in Dubăsari, Criuleni, Nisporeni, Cimișlia and Basarabeasca districts. They benefit from financial assistance to improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of their businesses. 

One of the supported businesses is "Sălașul Baciului". The company is owned by Dorina Baciu from the village of Sadaclia, Basarabeasca district and specialises in the production of artisanal cheeses using Italian technology. With the help of the project, the entrepreneur will purchase a special car for collecting, transporting and storing milk and cheese.

"This financial support comes at a very appropriate time for us, as the purchase of a delivery machine has become a pressing necessity for the development of the business for some time. Customers will be able to receive our products more quickly, delivered fresh, respecting all hygiene and quality standards. It is also a great relief for our team, as previous deliveries required a lot of logistical organization and effort that we can now redirect to other production processes," says Dorina Baciu, founder and manager of the business "Sălașul Baciului".

Another ten enterprises receiving support from Japan and UNDP are from the non-agricultural sector in the key regions of Cahul and Ungheni, which host a large number of refugees. They are being supported to reduce their environmental impact and improve their efficiency and competitiveness. 

One of the companies selected in this category is Bio Gumat, from Ungheni district, which specialises in fertiliser manufacturing. The support will be used to install a photovoltaic power plant. 

"On our products, it says 'Growing together', because we are trying to grow agriculture with environmentally friendly fertilizers and we are grateful that we entrepreneurs are also helped to grow with Japanese support. Thanks to this funding we will be able to provide technological processes with green and efficient energy resources, which will allow us to develop a sustainable business, including ensuring the production of waste-free, fully recyclable plastic," says Nicolae Alcaz, founder of Bio Gumat.

The grants offered are just one element of the "Multidimensional response to emerging human security challenges" project funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP. This project contributes to increasing the resilience of the Republic of Moldova on three key dimensions of human security: energy, food and community.