Press releases

Chisinau, 13 November 2024 — More than 500 entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova benefited from loans under the Government’s Entrepreneurship Support Programme 373, implemented by the Organisation for the Development of Entrepreneurship, under the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation. The total value of the loans granted exceeds RON 2 billion and the investment in the national economy amounts to RON 3 billion.

Investment supports the growth of companies employing around 7 500 people and is expected to create 1 500 new jobs in the near future.

The money was channelled into the development of small and medium-sized businesses, thus helping to sustain a vital segment of the national economy and thus of the Republic of Moldova. Appropriations under the 373 programme allow entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, grow, progress to a higher level and create new jobs.

The geographical distribution of investment projects covers all districts of the country, with values proportional to the number of companies in each region. The largest investments were made in the Centre region and the municipality of Chisinau, with over RON 1 billion for each region. In the North region, investments reached RON 549 million and in the South region, including UTA Gagauzia, they amounted to RON 250 million. The average value of the loans is RON 3.2 million.

Programme 373 is requested by companies from a wide range of business areas. The largest investments were made in the energy generation and supply sector, which attracted around 45 % of the total value of investment projects. Transport and storage was another important area with a share of 17 %, similar to the manufacturing industry, which also captured 17 % of the total. Notable investments are also made in sectors such as health and social care, education, leisure and others.

Programme 373 was launched in July 2023 and in spring this year the Government extended access to funding and simplified procedures. Nowadays, SMEs in the commercial sector (excluding those selling alcoholic beverages and tobacco), as well as in the field of maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, also benefit from easier access to finance. The maximum amount of credit was increased from RON 15 million to RON 40 million, and it was also permitted to finance the purchase of raw materials and materials necessary for the production or provision of services, up to a limit of 30 % of the value of the investment project. At the same time, the maximum guarantee ceiling was increased from 40 % to 80 % of the loan amount through the Credit Guarantee Fund, and the banking procedures for granting loans were simplified.

Programme 373 loans are available in any bank in the country. For further information and opportunities, we invite you to call the ODA consultancy service on + 373 2229 5741 or on www.373.gov.md