ECONOMY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Strengthening the Moldovan Vocational Education and Training system continues with EU and ADA funding

In the framework of the EU4Moldova: Local Communities programme, the Moldovan Vocational Education and Training system (VET) will be improved and comply with EU and international standards.

The activities on the development of 5 (five) qualification standards, curricula, and training materials for VET students were launched by the Austrian Development and Research of the Republic of Moldova (MER) on 27 January 2023 in a kick-off event. This activity will contribute to the improvement of the teaching-learning

Moreover, this will aim to:

» Improve the textbooks for the development of professional skills;

» Facilitate the transition of VET graduates to the labour market (21st century and green skills);

» Strengthening the partnerships between VET institutions and the private sector;

» Support governmental institutions in the qualified implementation of the Education-2030 National Strategy.

Through these joint efforts, the Professional School (Cupcini village), Veterinary and Economy in Agriculture College (Brătușeni village), Professional School (Leova Rayon), and Engineering College (Strășeni town) will be assisted to improve professional training and increase of quality of VET studies.

"EU4Moldova: Local Communities" programme is financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland – Polish aid; and jointly implemented by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in Moldova.

Nine villages and communes from three rayons across the country have joined the “EU4Moldova: Local Communities" initiative. The communities, which include Parcova, Hîncauți, and Zabriceni from Edineț rayon, Zubrești, Pănășești, Lozova, and Sireți from

Strășeni rayon, as well as Cazangic and Saărățica Nouă from Leova rayon have signed the Memorandum of Understanding and became the programme’s partners in developing their local public services.

Over the coming years, the programme team and the partnering communities will work together to identify and implement a set of measures to achieve this goal. On behalf of the Team Europe, GIZ Moldova will support the communities of Edineț, Strășeni and Leova in their efforts in:

» Providing support in the implementation of concrete actions, especially to support the most vulnerable people or social groups in the community;

» Identifying and piloting new or improved models of providing public services;

» Ensuring experience exchanges and study visits;

» Promoting citizens' participation in monitoring the quality and access to public services;

» Ensuring support in the process of developing and submitting infrastructure projects for financing.

Through these joint efforts, residents of the partnering localities will benefit from better local public services, such as improved access to water and sanitation, energy efficiency and solid waste management.

"EU4Moldova: Local Communities" is a Team Europe initiative launched in 2022 to enhance the quality of life in local communities in three rayons of the Republic of Moldova – Edineț, Strășeni and Leova.

The programme is financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland – Polish aid; and jointly implemented by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in Moldova.

The rayons of Edineț, Străseni, and Leova have joined forces with the "EU4Moldova: Local Communities" team to foster economic growth and create a sustainable environment for businesses. To achieve

Groups were formed between November and March of 2023, with the enthusiastic involvement of representatives from the local public authorities, business community, and civil society.

During this time, the groups aimed to analyse the economic priorities outlined in the development strategies, propose measures to improve economic cooperation and foster private sector development. The participants also discussed ways to develop project ideas based on the proposals generated during the meetings. In the following, the "EU4Moldova: Local Communities" team will provide assistance with the implementation of these ideas.

The partnerships between the public sector, the private sector, and civil society in fostering the development of the business environment is highly important. By working together, different sectors can create synergies and ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the development process. Each sector brings different strengths, resources and ideas to the table, which can help to achieve the common goal.

During one of the meetings, Mr. Grigore Catană, the president of Leova rayon, urged those present to collaborate actively to generate ideas and proposals. He highlighted that the sustainable development of the business environment is only possible through cooperation.

The Participatory Groups will continue to convene in the upcoming months to outline ideas and measures to enhance the entrepreneurship environment in the programme rayons. "EU4Moldova: Local Communities" team is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a more prosperous future for the Edineț, Străseni, and Leova.

“EU4Moldova: Local Communities” programme is financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland – Polish aid; and jointly implemented by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ, the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL) in Moldova.