Events

The diaspora representatives mentioned that the biggest obstacle to returning migrants home is political instability, lack of jobs but also lack of information on investment possibilities in the Republic of Moldova. Migrant women said that many Moldovans would return home to set up their businesses, but they do not know the potential of the business sector in the country and fear the lack of support from the authorities.

Svetlana Țurcanu, Acting Head of the Policy Directorate for Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Trade of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Moldova mentioned that the business climate in the Republic of Moldova has become much more favourable for entrepreneurs. A number of changes in legislation have recently been made which have simplified business registration and management procedures. At the same time, the Association Agreement with the European Union provides more opportunities for entrepreneurs to access foreign markets.

Ludmila Stihii, Head of Training, Analysis and Innovation at ODIMM, presented the opportunities that organisation-run programmes offer to willing people to start a business, including migrants. Ludmila Stihii mentioned the benefits it offers Programme to attract remittances to the PARE 1 + 1 economythe aim is to mobilise the human and financial resources of Moldovans working abroad in the sustainable economic development of the Republic of Moldova. 49 per cent of the financial sources of the beneficiaries of the Programme, invested in the economy of the country, come from remittances of Moldovans located in Italy. At the same time, more than 35 per cent of all people trained in entrepreneurship in 2015 wanted to become beneficiaries of the 1 + 1 Pare programme in Italy, which is one of the 24 countries from which the beneficiaries come.

ODIMM representatives also presented other support possibilities for entrepreneurs to the Moldovans in Rome, including the existence of the FGC Credit Guarantee Fund, which provides support to entrepreneurs who want to access credit but do not have a pledge, the GEA Effective Business Management Programme, which provides support to entrepreneurs through the trainings and schooling offered, and other opportunities.

The PARE 1 + 1 Economic Discharge Programme aims to stimulate investment in business development by migrants and their first degree relatives. To date, more than 1300 people have been trained under the programme, with approximately 750 grants of a maximum of RON 200 each. Of the total number of grants awarded, 30 % are for young entrepreneurs.
15.6.2016