Bridge Export Programme launched in Chisinau; business associations to receive support to promote Moldovan exports on international markets

Business associations will receive support from the state, in order to promote the export of Moldovan products on international markets. The support will be provided under the Bridge Export Programme, launched by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization and the Investment Agency in Chisinau today.

The initiative was created to support the promotion of Moldovan exports on international markets by co-financing up to 40 per cent of eligible costs for collective projects, aimed at enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of local products and services. The programme's budget for 2025 is 17.5 million lei.

Present at the program's launch event, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Doina Nistor said that, at present, about 2,150 companies export goods and the authorities' goal was to double this number in the coming years.

“Through this programme, companies from Moldova will be able to participate in fairs and exhibitions, organize economic missions and promotional campaigns, so that our products are increasingly present on shelves around the world. Moldova's exports are increasing: 67.3 per cent already go to the European Union, and the leading position in plum exports to the EU shows that we have competitive and appreciated products. New trade agreements with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the United Kingdom open even greater opportunities for our producers. Bridge Export is the launch pad for Moldovan businesses towards international success,” said Doina Nistor.

The Director of the Investment Agency, Natalia Bejan, said that, out of the total of 20 million lei allocated for export promotion activities, 17.5 million was directed exclusively to this programme.

“We want business associations to come up with clear marketing strategies targeting markets, products and integrated activities for their promotion,” said Natalia Bejan.

The activities within the Programme will be carried out as of October 2025 till March 2026.

Eligible activities include participation in exhibitions, organizing local/international exhibitions, business missions, promotional campaigns, market studies, increasing export promotion capacity.

Applications to participate in the programme can be submitted till September 3, 2025, at 17:00.

In the last three years, through similar grants, the Investment Agency has invested over 8 million lei to promote exports, supporting 46 activities and 20 initiatives of business associations.

Statistics data shows that, in the last five years, exports of medical services have increased 2.5 times, educational services have increased by 134 per cent, the exports of fruits have doubled in the last 15 years, reaching markets in over 50 countries annually and exports of services have exceeded imports by 919 million dollars. Also, Moldova is the largest exporter of sunflower seeds in Europe and ranks sixth globally in vermouth exports.