Moldova Trade Forum

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

The project offers tailored support to meet the specific needs of current and future exporters, providing both methodological and practical assistance to establish long-term trade links and boost exports. As part of this initiative, existing businesses and start-ups will receive support to create new jobs for women and vulnerable groups.

AdTrade achieves these goals through cross-river exchanges of knowledge and experience, as well as by educating businesses on the opportunities provided by DCFTA and the Strategic Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and Moldova to companies from the left bank of Nistru. Participating companies and associations will also gain insights from the best practices of Eastern and Central European businesses.

A core focus of the project is reviving the underdeveloped MSME sector on the left bank of the Nistru River. The AdTrade Project is implemented by UNDP with financial support from Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Objectives:

• Improve livelihoods and living conditions for men and women on both banks of the Nistru River, due to enhanced cross-river cooperation to access the opportunities offered by Moldova’s external trade arrangements, fostering trust and cooperation;

• Strengthen the exchange of information, knowledge, and experience on the export promotion mechanisms available on the right bank, and raise awareness of external trade agreements;

• Enhance competitiveness and joint exports of business communities from both riverbanks with a particular focus on cluster and value chain development and export promotion;

• Build policy formulation capacities to create a conducive environment for both banks and reduce barriers;

• Enable micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the Nistru river, in particular those led by women and supporting vulnerable groups, to produce more competitive products.