The Organization for the Development of the SME Sector (ODIMM) has launched the National Program for the Ecologization of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises by which the state aims to support the ecologization of about 150 SMEs that provide high- and low-value services until 2020, IPN reports. Consequently, the companies will become more environmentally-friendly and more competitive on the domestic and foreign markets, as the authorities anticipate.
In an online event to launch the program, ODIMM director general Iulia Costin said the program aims to convince the SMEs of the positive effects of ecologization and to show that by implementing high-quality standards or greening technologies, they will only gain as the competitiveness of products will grow. As part of the same program, there will be created a network of national consultants who will offer support to the SMEs in the ecologization process.
Iulia Costin is sure that after the ecologization plan is implemented, new business opportunities for companies will appear, the management system will improve, the efficiency of the use of resources and, as a result, competitiveness will increase and internationalization opportunities will appear.
Maxim Popov, secretary of state at the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, said the current environmental problems are due to the continuous degradation of environmental factors, pollution of surface water, small rivers and air. The companies cannot become more attractive for green investments if pro-ecological management systems and the switchover to eco-friendly products and services are not promoted at enterprises. The measures of the new program will mobilize additional financing and will strengthen the management of SMEs so that palpable results are achieved in two-three years.
Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Sergiu Railean said the Ministry undertakes to assist the SMEs in adopting ecological practices. The authorities will further promote the principles of green economy and will guarantee the fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by the Association Agreement with the EU. The Ministry appreciates the EU’s assistance in implementing ecologization programs. Through the agency of the given program, the Ministry aims to support the SMEs that will want to implement ecological practices, to produce and provide eco-friendly services.
Marco Gemmer, Head of Operations Section at the EU Delegation to Moldova, said the European Union has supported the ecologization of SMEs in Moldova, which is an opportunity, not a risk. The SMEs are the driving engine of the economy in Moldova, as in the EU. The consumers in the EU ask for more information about eco-products and how ecological they are.
The form for applying to the program can be accessed on the ODIMM’s website. The implementation of the pilot three-year national program is financed with state budget funds.
