Project Summary:

The Advanced Cross-River Capacities for Trade Project facilitates cross-river cooperation and expands access of enterprises from left bank of Nistru (particularly micro, small and medium sized enterprises - MSMEs) to export promotion mechanisms available on the right bank.

The project provides tailored support and develops capacities based on specific needs of current and future exporters, but also provisions methodological and practical assistance to establish long-term trade links and to promote exports. In the framework of this initiative, existing companies and start-ups will be supported to create new jobs for women and vulnerable groups.

These goals will be achieved through cross-river exchange of knowledge and experience, but also by understanding the opportunities provided by the DCFTA and the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed between the UK and Moldova. At the same time, benefiting companies and associations will learn from best practices of businesses from Eastern and Central Europe.

Main efforts will be dedicated to reviving the MSMEs sector which is underdeveloped on the left bank of Nistru.

Objectives:

To ensure that men and women on both banks of the Nistru River have improved livelihoods and living conditions, due to enhanced cross-river cooperation to access the opportunities offered by Moldova’s external trade arrangements, contributing to an environment of trust and cooperation:

• Improved cross-river exchange of information, knowledge and experience on the export promotion mechanisms on the right bank, and awareness-raising on the opportunities provided by external trade agreements;
• Enhanced competitiveness and joint exports of business communities from both riverbanks with a particular focus on cluster and value chain development and export promotion;
• Enhanced capacities for policy formulation leading to a conducive environment on both banks and reduction of barriers to trade and economic cooperation;
• Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across the Nistru river, in particular those led by women and benefiting vulnerable groups, are enabled to produce more competitive products.

Expected results:

• An improved regulatory and institutional framework for cross-river trade and integration of the left bank of Nistru’s exporters into the Moldovan external trade;
• Increased awareness among companies and business associations on the left bank of Nistru on the opportunities provided by DCFTA/Strategic partnership, trade and cooperation agreement with UK, as well as the technical steps needed to access EU and UK markets;
• Improved capacities of business associations on both banks (at least 10 from the left bank of Nistru) to advocate for, cooperate and support the interests of the business communities across the river;
• Improved business environment due to effective advocacy/lobby measures on reduction of barriers to trade and economic cooperation;

• Over 70 companies from the left bank of Nistru received consultancy/certification support from cross river business development services institutions/networks to promote their exports, resulting in at least 20 partnerships or contracts signed;

• At least 40 companies improved their competitiveness due to the assured infrastructure through at least 5 clusters created; 

• More than 200 jobs created on both banks as a result of the support provided;

• 55 start-ups initiated/new companies accelerated, with at least 60% led by women;

• 5 social entrepreneurs supported;

• 15 companies adopted Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles;

• 5 companies have successfully implemented energy-efficient and renewable energy source technologies.
   

Accomplishments:

• 1723 representatives of the companies and business associations (847 left bank/876 right bank, out of which 860 women) have increased the awareness regarding the opportunities provided by the DCFTA and UK-Moldova Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Additionally, 540 company representatives, including 476 women, gained a better understanding of the opportunities offered by the foreign trade agreements and steps required to access EU and UK markets, as well as legal and customs procedures and existing international trade agreements;
• 9 business associations from both banks (out of which 5 on left bank) strengthened capacities to effectively advocate, cooperate and support the interests of business communities across the river. Additionally in 2024 & 2025, 17 business associations improved their service delivery and consulting support for MSME members. Nine partnerships between business associations and relevant CSOs from both banks of Nistru River established, including one women business association;
• Six cross-river clusters were created and supported, uniting a total of 125 members, including: 74 from the private sector (14 left bank), 16 from the public sector, 19 from the associative sector (2 left bank), and 16 from R&D and education;
• Two deregulation packages adopted in 2025, amending 30 laws and normative acts and generating estimated annual savings of MDL 91 million;
• Over 115 companies were supported to develop and expand their business activities, including 52 start-ups and 15 social entrepreneurship initiatives, contributing to the diversification and resilience of the MSME sector on both banks of the Nistru River;
• 692 jobs were created as a result of the support provided, including 376 jobs for women, contributing to improved income-generation opportunities and more inclusive economic participation;
• 29 exporting companies strengthened their competitiveness and capacity to access external markets through tailored support aimed at improving export readiness, market positioning and business growth potential;
• In total 15 social entrepreneurship initiatives supported/expanded, including 5 directly supported through UK funding and 10 through complementary support from Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund; 13 were women-led;
• 132 entrepreneurs enhanced business/financial skills, including 70 women;
• 947 girls benefited from STEAM education initiatives implemented in 6 schools, as part of nearly 1,800 students reached; 21 children with disabilities and 32 teachers also benefited.