Top European bank, Sweden support female entrepreneurship in Moldova

Chisinau, 17 November /MOLDPRES/ - A number of 90 companies from Moldova increased their competitiveness over three years since the Women in Business programme was launched with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Swedish government. The conclusion was presented by the representatives of the two institutions in a press conference.

According to EBRD Small Business Support Team National Programme Manager Veronica Arpintin, "just over one year after launching the programme, business within it increased their turnover by 23 per cent."

"More than half of the staff of these companies are women. They are involved mainly in textile manufacturing, retail and medical services, "said Arpintin.

Swedish Ambassador to Moldova Ingrid Tersman said that by supporting women in business, new job opportunities were created, which would eventually lead to Moldova's economic growth.

EBRD Project Manager Armen Astrayan pointed out that Moldovan women who wanted to open businesses faced challenges such as "double responsibility because they have families and jobs, their perception in society and limited access to finance".

Since the launch of the Women in Business programme in Moldova, projects worth over one million euros have been implemented.