The results of a large study on aligning the definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Moldova with the provisions of the European framework in the field were presented and discussed at a round table organized by AO "Partnerships for the New Economy" (PNE)The event was attended by representatives of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, the Competition Council, the National Bureau of Statistics, the SME sector and economic experts.
The study provides a detailed analysis of the situation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Moldova and proposes adjusting the value ceilings that define this sector. The authors of the study – PNE experts, Dumitru Pântea and Vadim Gumene, concludes that, in the context of economic changes in recent years, these ceilings must be increased, but gradually, to avoid distortions in competition and competition for financial support from the state.
According to the study, if the sales revenue cap were raised to 200 million of lei, no company would lose its SME status in 2025. At the same time, approximately 200 companies, previously classified as large enterprises, would become SMEs. Of these, 47 are in the industrial sector, 19 in construction, and 108 in trade. Another 68 companies would remain outside the definition of SMEs only because of the large number of employees. They operate mainly in the textile industry, cable production, and the food industry, fields with intensive use of labor.
For this adjustment to be effective, the study recommends that the change in the definition of SMEs be accompanied by additional measures to regulate and stimulate the development of these enterprises.
Participants in the discussions stressed the need for the definition of SME to remain sufficiently selective so as not to distort competition and not to artificially favor certain economic entities.
Deputy Director of the National Environmental Protection Agency, Sergiu Litvinenko, reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting the European integration process, including the authorities' efforts to harmonize legislation, by developing thorough impact analyses on the business environment.
"PNE aims to actively contribute to initiatives aimed at the sustainable and equitable development of the Moldovan economy, through strategic partnerships, economic education, identification of appropriate policies and implementation of best practices",
Sergiu Litvinenko declared.
"Within the process of negotiating accession to the European Union, the Republic of Moldova has committed to fully adopting the European acquis. Thus, the implementation of European legislation regulating the business environment is crucial for accelerating the convergence of the national economy with the European one. Therefore, it is essential that the Republic of Moldova approaches the process of alignment with the European SME definition in a strategic manner, based on a thorough assessment of the economic implications, extensive consultations with the private sector and the gradual implementation of the new ceilings",
Dumitru Pintea mentioned.
Open the study "Alignment of the national SME definition with the provisions of the European framework in the field: intervention options" (PDF file, 2.2 MB, will open in new tab).
Public Association "Partnerships for the New Economy" (PNE) is a non-profit organization specialized in promoting a strong and resilient economy in the Republic of Moldova. PNE contributes to the development of innovative solutions to current economic challenges, supporting the Republic of Moldova's convergence with European economic standards and increasing the well-being of citizens.
For further details, you can write to us at info@pne.md or contact Natalia Porubin, communication consultant, at +373 22 000 737 or +373 79 727 205.