A close-up of hands forming pottery on a wheel.

Boosting Business in Moldova .

Economic Growth and Trade | Education | Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development
Europe and Eurasia

Moldova Competitiveness Project (MCP)

Project Dates: September 2015 - September 2021
Since the ratification of two trade agreements in 2014, Moldova has been making steps to better position its brands and take greater advantage of its duty-free access to some of the world’s most prosperous markets.

The June 2014 ratification of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union enabled Moldova to expand its trade significantly. Funded by USAID and Sweden, the Moldova Competitiveness Project (MCP) made the most of these economic benefits by improving the quality of Moldovan products and encouraging the country’s private sector to participate in the European Union and other higher-value markets. By focusing simultaneously on workforce development, trade, and investment, the project strengthened Moldovan businesses along the value chain.

Prior Initiatives

MCP followed two previous Competitiveness Enhancement and Economic Development (CEED) projects in Moldova, known as “CEED” and “CEED II.” These programs, which ran from 2005 to 2010 and 2010 to 2015, respectively, approached competitiveness by focusing on productivity, trade, and investment.

In five years, CEED helped 115 companies generate more than $84 million in sales and 3,500 full-time jobs. Additionally, the project increased information and communications technology exports from $24 million to $114 million. Using a value chain approach, CEED II built on the success of CEED, upgrading enterprise marketing and sales skills in Moldova while strengthening the capacity of its workforce and industry service providers.

988

Small and Medium Enterprises assisted to upgrade technology, skills, and market linkages

527

million dollars of total sales growth of SMEs through direct and indirect assistance targeting EU, Asia Pacific, regional and domestic markets

287.4

million dollars in new investments made in assisted SMEs for modern technology, factory upgrades, and quality improvements

Project Goals


  • Invest in workforce development initiatives to promote the development of critical skills in the workforce
  • Work across industries, including wine, tourism, apparel, information and communications technology, creative services, and precision engineering
  • Promote market links and support Moldovan brands
  • Facilitate collaboration between public and private sectors

Our Impact The Nuts and Bolts of STEM in Moldova

As they are introduced to educational robotics in the classroom, youth in Moldova are inspired to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The June 2014 ratification of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union enabled Moldova to expand its trade significantly. Funded by USAID and Sweden, the Moldova Competitiveness Project (MCP) made the most of these economic benefits by improving the quality of Moldovan products and encouraging the country’s…

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Four children putting together a small robot with parts from a red container sitting on a table.

Our Impact Strengthening the Moldovan Wine Sector from Grape to Glass

The Moldovan wine sector is attracting more foreign investment and becoming more competitive on the international market, thanks to improvements in regulation, quality, and promotion strategies.

The June 2014 ratification of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union enabled Moldova to expand its trade significantly. Funded by USAID and Sweden, the Moldova Competitiveness Project (MCP) made the most of these economic benefits by improving the quality of Moldovan products and encouraging the country’s…

Read Impact Story
Aerial photo of a vineyard on a hill overlooking a green landscape.
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winemaker filling glass at Agrici winery

Agrici Winery: From Bulk Wine to EU Exports in Two Years

With technical assistance and equipment upgrades from Moldova Competitiveness Project, Agrici winery has transformed from a producer of bulk wine to an exporter of award-winning wine.

entrepreneur Victor Vutcarau leaving the winery

ATU: An Urban Winery Run by Visionary Young Entrepreneurs

Moldova Competitiveness Project supported Moldova’s first urban wine startup to invest in new winemaking equipment and upgrade staff's technical skills. Run by young entrepreneurs, the company now exports bottled wine to the EU.

winemaking family toasting around a table

Kara Gani: From Winemaking Hobby to Successful Family Business

Moldova Competitiveness Project has helped Gheorghe Cervan turn his winemaking hobby into a successful winery. Now the business has diversified into wine tourism, too, creating a successful family enterprise for the next generation.

hands holding a bottle of Novak wine

Novak Winery: Transitioning from Quantity to Quality

Supported by Moldova Competitiveness Project, Novak winery has transitioned from bulk wine to quality bottled wine production. Increased quality has opened export markets and earned Novak recognition at international wine competitions.

Image of an older woman showing crafts to a younger woman. Below the image is a closed caption that reads "and I do work that I really love."

Vila Roz: Supporting Rural Tourism in Moldova

A grant from the Moldova Competitiveness Project allowed a retired seamstress to supplement her pension by opening a guesthouse. Projects like these increase local employment and boost rural tourism in Moldova.

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