Workshop “Business Connections: Tools and Benefits”

The Organization for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises Sector (ODIMM) has organized today, January 29^th, the Workshop "Business Connections: Tools and Benefits" within the exhibition "Made in Moldova".

The event has brought together over 80 SMEs, public institutions and service providers to discuss the tools to support SMEs with a growing potential at the national and international levels.

In the opening speech, Iulia Costin, the General Manager of ODIMM, has highlighted the significance of these debates for the representatives of small and medium business for enabling them to enter foreign markets and establish partnerships.

“One of ODIMM’s priorities is to facilitate the cooperation between domestic enterprises and international companies, as well as with the local chains of stores. In this regard, our aim is to inform small and medium-size enterprises about the support tools and steps that should be taken in order to be able to export goods. We have invited relevant actors to trace these stages together. At the same time, the support tools provided by ODIMM management can help SMEs achieve their objectives”.

Iuliana Drăgălin, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, has emphasized the state support in the internationalization of SMEs.

“Promoting exports, substituting imports and saturating the domestic market with the national products manufactured by SMEs is one of the Government objectives, stipulated in a series of policies and strategies. At the same time, the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure constantly monitors the evolution of the economy and the SME sector. We are in the process of finalizing a new Pilot Program for supporting and internationalizing high-potential businesses, which will be launched and implemented this year”.

Andrei Crigan, Partner at Gateway & Partners, has highlighted the tools and methods of connecting businesses.

"In order to increase the companies’ chances to succeed on foreign markets, they should go through three stages: participate at international fairs and exhibitions, take part in economic missions and organize individual meetings with their potential customers. Before entering a foreign market, SMEs should carefully analyse its specific features ".

Oxana Paladiciuc, the Senior Expert of the Enterprise Europe Network, has stated the importance of the EEN network. "High-potential and ambitious entrepreneurs, who are oriented towards internationalization can benefit from information support and the organization of missions and thematic events, necessary for creating partnerships".

The event was attended by Vladislav Cotici, the General Director of the National Agency for Food Safety, and Inga Varvariuc, the Deputy Director of the National Institute of Standardization, who have described the importance, stages and advantages of certification and standardization for the development of national companies and their growth on the international markets.

At the same time, the workshop highlighted the practical aspects and real stories of SMEs that managed to conquer local and foreign markets.

The event ended with useful tips and examples for the companies that wish to cooperate with store chains and with a productive dialogue between the representatives of Metro Cash & Carry and SMEs.

The workshop was organized by ODIMM, as a member of the Enterprise Europe Network.