On 24 October 2024, the EU4Business: Connecting Companies (EU4BCC) project, concluding five years of impactful implementation, hosted its Closing Conference in Chisinau, Moldova. 

The event was opened by Mr. Sergiu Harea, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Moldova (RM), and welcomed high-level officials, including Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Deputy Prime Minister Dumitru Alaiba, and Deputy Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to the RM, Mate Csicsai. They emphasised the importance of EU support in fostering sustainable growth opportunities for businesses in Moldova and across the Eastern Partnership (EaP) region. 

“The EU4BCC project has had a considerable impact on key sectors of our economy […]. Through this project, SMEs have benefited from new development and export opportunities, thus contributing to the increase in the competitiveness of our economies” – Sergiu Harea, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Moldova. 

The conference brought together around 150 attendees, including representatives from national chambers of commerce in EaP countries, EU and EaP project partners, and beneficiaries who have collaborated to strengthen the regional business ecosystem through the EU4BCC initiative. 

Through presentations and roundtable discussions, participants reflected on project achievements, shared lessons learnt, and explored the sustainability of the initiatives. Key themes included the critical needs of SMEs, such as individual mentorship, capacity building on EU standards, and increased financial resources for SME support. 

“We [CCIs] should stay one step ahead of our members, always offering fresh information, skills, and services. International capacity-building projects like EU4BCC can help prepare us for this” – Larysa Tsygan, Vice-President, Chernihiv Regional CCI. 

In the face of evolving global challenges, the conference highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships, innovation, and adaptive support strategies for SMEs. 

“SMEs face similar challenges across the EaP and EU. A common response can be effective, and international cooperation can help us find the best solutions” – Giorgi Vekua, Director of Business and Regional Development Department, CCI Georgia.