Three newly established economic clusters will contribute to local development in Moldova
Three microeconomic clusters were recently established in Moldova, covering the livestock, tourism, and aromatic herbs sectors. UNDP and Switzerland will support entrepreneurs who have joined forces to become more competitive, expand their businesses, and create jobs for local residents.
In the upcoming year, working conditions for at least 360 individuals are expected to improve, while the total business turnover of the micro-clusters could increase by at least 20%. Furthermore, up to US$35,000 per micro-cluster will be allocated for implementing innovative digital business management solutions.
The first micro-cluster to be established was the touristic cluster. The event took place on 27 September, which coincided with World Tourism Day.
Fifty-six business representatives, local authorities, and research & development institutions from the Dubăsari-Criuleni micro-region participated in the founding session of the “Heart of Nistru” touristic micro-cluster. Ruslan Uscov was elected president and the “Heart of Nistru” Local Action Group (LAG) was appointed as the managing entity.
“We are excited about the opportunity to establish the first touristic micro-cluster in the region and to collaborate in promoting and harnessing the businesses and tourism objectives in the area. We will also explore various investment opportunities to fund projects with added value to the region,” stated Ruslan Uscov, the president of the “Heart of Nistru” Local Action Group (LAG).
The cluster’s development plan for the next three years aims to double the turnover of local businesses, expand existing operations, and support the creation of at least 20 new businesses in the HoReCa and entertainment sector.
“The goal set by the micro-cluster to become the leading rural tourism destination in the Republic of Moldova by 2035 is as an ambitious yet achievable objective. This refers to the number of tourists and visitors, but also to the turnover of tourism-related activities. We will support initiatives to modernize the public infrastructure required for tourism activities, including beach creation, improved access roads, and expanded parking facilities,” states Ghenadie Ivașcenco, UNDP consultant.
Another institutionalized micro-cluster is “Ovi-Caprin Cimișlia-Basarabeasca,” with over 30 entrepreneurs, local authority representatives, and research and development institutions from the districts participating in the founding event.
Pavel Prisăcaru and Dorina Baciu were chosen as co-presidents of the micro-cluster, while the Civic Association “Development through Involvement” was designated as the managing entity.
“The development of the micro-cluster involves a collective approach in which business agents, public authorities, and research institutions collaborate to achieve common goals, facilitating innovation, diversifying the local economy, and generating employment opportunities,” stated Pavel Prisăcaru, co-president of the micro-cluster and president of the National Federation of Sheep and Goat Breeders in the Republic of Moldova.
The third micro-cluster, “Herbafruct,” was established on 17 October in Micleușeni, with the participation of over 20 entrepreneurs, local authorities, and research and development institutions from the Nisporeni district.
The short- and medium-term development plan for the micro-cluster focuses on three main objectives: the advancement of the cultivation and harvesting of medicinal and aromatic crops, the expansion of processing activities for these crops, and the enhancement of the cluster’s competitiveness through member collaboration.
“The establishment of this micro-cluster is something new in Moldova, and I believe it will significantly contribute to the revival and promotion of the medicinal and aromatic plants sector. With a shared vision over the next 10 years, its members plan to expand their influence both nationally and internationally, forging connections and partnerships with similar companies in the field, facilitating the transition from an extensive to an intensive economy,” says Viorel Chivriga, UNDP consultant.
The micro-regions, beneficiaries of the UNDP project “Resilient and Inclusive Markets in Moldova,” with funding from the Swiss Government, were selected through a national competition held in April of this year. The competition received proposals from representatives of the private sector from 220 localities and 27 districts across Moldova. The selected micro-regions include Dubăsari-Criuleni, Cimișlia-Basarabeasca, and Nisporeni.
With approximately 1.2 million dollars in financial support over the next two years, the micro-clusters are expected to play a pivotal role in revitalizing and strengthening local economies.
“Many of us want to stay in our country and contribute to its development. By boosting economic growth in our local communities, we increase the chances of our neighbours who left to return home and our children studying abroad to come back. Each funding opportunity and development project bring hope that our streets will be again busy, and our village kindergartens won’t close due to a lack of children,” states Lucia Ușurelu, president of the “Herbafruct” micro-cluster.
“With the newly created micro-clusters, we know that there is much work, challenges, compromises, and collaboration ahead. However, we have the advantage of modern technologies and the exchange of best practices with other countries, along with funding and guidance from experts to take this step. It’s one of those steps that will bring us closer to the shared dream of reviving the local economy and breathing life back into our villages,” she adds.
