Strengthening Economic Ties in SE-Europe: EU4Business in Chișinău

Photo: Iurie Barbaroș, EU4Business: Connecting Companies (EU4BCC) conference in Chișinău on October 24, 2024, IT Park

As a cornerstone closing event, the EU4Business: Connecting Companies (EU4BCC) conference in Chișinău on October 24, 2024, served in solidifying EU-Eastern Partnership (EaP) collaborations. Funded by the European Union and organized by Eurochambres, the gathering aimed to fortify economic ties between the EU and EaP countries, including Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Ukraine. The conference, attended both in-person and online, emphasized knowledge-sharing and partnerships to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these countries.

Held at Digital Park in Chișinău, the conference began with opening remarks from Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Recean and Sergiu Harea, President of the Moldovan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Both leaders underscored the importance of EU-Moldovan partnerships for sustainable economic growth. Mate Csicsai, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Moldova, provided insights on the EU’s broader goals for regional stability and development, highlighting the support offered by EU4Business for Eastern Partnership countries to align with EU standards.

Impact and Success Stories
The morning session, „Project Impact – The Journey of Beneficiaries”, showcased testimonials from successful participants, such as Dina Sidash of the Dnipropetrovsk Chamber of Commerce and Giorgi Kacharava of the EU-Georgia Business Council. These speakers shared first-hand insights on how EU-backed initiatives fostered resilience, adaptability, and new market opportunities for SMEs amid regional challenges. Charles Mathiaux of EU4Innovation and Andrei Darie of Mayors for Economic Growth further highlighted complementary EU-funded programs, shedding light on inclusive growth and economic diversity in Eastern Partnership countries.

Afternoon Round Tables: A Focus on Sustainability and Best Practices
Three thematic round tables took place in the afternoon, providing a deeper dive into lessons learned and strategies for the future. The first session covered best practices, where Sara Rajabli from BUTA Art and Sweets and Nelly Davtyan of Busticks discussed effective tactics for navigating market challenges. The second session, focused on sustainable collaborations, explored avenues for ongoing partnership development, led by experts from various chambers of commerce, including Natalia Calenic of Moldova and Magda Bolotashvili from Georgia.

The third round table, „Adapting to Change”, moderated by Giorgi Vekua of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, addressed how SMEs adjusted to shifting economic landscapes. Industry leaders like Pavel Braila of ARTWATT and Hayarpi Hakobyan from Agri LLC shared insights on innovation and resilience in the face of rapid change.

Building Future Partnerships
The day concluded with a formal reception and networking dinner at Moldova’s renowned Cricova Winery, fostering a relaxed yet productive environment for discussions and collaborations among business leaders, policymakers, and EU representatives. This closing dinner enhanced the opportunity for participants to build long-lasting partnerships, aligning with the EU’s goal of fostering economic integration and stability across its Eastern neighbors.

Live impressions of the participants from Spain and Armenia at the end of the day:

The EU4Business: Connecting Companies (EU4BCC) initiative is part of the broader EU4Business framework, established in 2020 by the European Union to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. This conference highlighted the growing commitment to supporting SMEs in Moldova and beyond, enhancing economic resilience and fostering alignment with EU economic standards. The event not only reinforced Moldova’s role within the EU4Business initiative but also represented a significant step forward in achieving sustainable, EU-aligned growth throughout the region.