Budget:
$ 141.000
 

Background
The ICCO - World Partners Business Support Centre project officially got under way March 13-20 with a kickoff trip to Chisinau, Moldova. All the necessary project formalities were completed, including the finalizing of project agreements with local partners Contact and Invest-Credit, negotiation for office space and services, and the hiring of our local project manager Ms. Evelina Dubceac.   
The selection process of potential business participants was also launched in earnest.  World Partners' representatives visited numerous businesses and projects to explore possibilities, and additional follow-up is ongoing.  Highlights of the company visits include several bakery operations, a textile manufacturer, marketing products producer, pig farmer, conveyor system manufacturer, furniture producers, newspaper publisher, and web programmer.

World Partners' representatives also visited with several organizations who have agreed to look for participants and provide additional partnership support.  Besides Contact and Invest-Credit, organisations such as the Mindresti business council, the CRS Jobs Plus project, Euromol Management Consulting, and the Dutch consulate have all offered their services.

In conclusion, the Business Support Centre concept has been very well received by companies and organisations alike in Moldova.  The initial participant selection is well underway, and the final choices will play a large part in guiding the development of the project vis-à-vis specific industries and expertise.