Press releases

Chisinau, 19 September 2024 — The government is building a strong local economy also through Programme 373 – the Government’s programme for supporting entrepreneurs, one of the priority actions in the National Plan “Construm European Moldova”. In 15 months since its launch, the programme 373 had exceptional results for the SME sector, becoming a popular instrument for financing investment projects.

Under the Programme, approximately lei 2.5 billion have already been invested in the national economy and prospects remain firmly optimistic. More than 560 investment projects have been completed or are under implementation.

Investment supports the development of companies employing over 6.100 people and around 1,300 new jobs are expected to be created in the near future.

The money was channelled towards small and medium-sized business development, thus contributing to supporting a vital segment of the national economy and, implicitly, of the Republic of Moldova. Appropriations under the Programme 373 allow entrepreneurs to develop their business, grow, progress to a higher level and create new jobs.

The geographical distribution of investment projects covers all country raios, with values proportional to the number of companies in each region. The largest investments were recorded in the Centre region, i.e. lei 934 million, followed by Chișinău, i.e. lei 824 million, North region (lei 417 million) and the South region, including UTA Găgăuzia (lei 226 million). The average value of loans came in at approximately lei 3 million.

The 373 programme is requested by companies from a wide range of business areas. The largest investments were made in the energy production and supply sector, which attracted around 42 % of the total value of investment projects. Transport and storage were another significant area, capturing 22 %, followed by manufacturing with 15 %. Notable investments are also made in sectors such as health and social work, education, approval and others. The histories of small entrepreneurs who have developed their businesses through Programme 373 are diverse and inspirational.

The 373 programme was launched in July 2023, and in spring this year, the Government expanded access to funding and simplified procedures. At present, SMEs in the trade sector (except those selling alcoholic beverages and tobacco) as well as the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles benefit from easier access to finance. The maximum amount of the loan was increased from 15 to RON 40 million, and the purchase of raw materials and materials necessary for the production or provision of services was also allowed up to 30 % of the value of the investment project. In addition, the maximum guarantee ceiling was increased from 40 % to 80 % of the amount of the loan under the Credit Guarantee Fund and the bank procedures for granting loans were simplified.

Loans offered under the Programme 373 are available in any bank in the country. For more information and opportunities, please call on the ODA consultancy service + 373 2229 5741, or www.373.gov.md