SDC’s Employment and Economy programme has been supporting two main fields in Moldova: vocational educational (VET) reform and improvement of economic conditions for the rural population.

The purpose of the project “Establishment of Moldovan National System for Occupational Standards, Assessment and Certification” is to develop important components for a national system of occupational standards, assessment and certification recognized by the Moldovan government and relevant stakeholders for national institutionalization.

Currently, the project undergoes a bridging phase aimed at implementing new occupational standards in three professional schools. For this phase, the overall objective of SOMEC, the SDC’s implementing partner, remains valid: “Moldova needs a modern, demand-driven VET system that would contribute to the economy’s need for well-trained labour force and enhance the graduates’ employability”.

The Savings and Credit Associations (SCAs) are expected at some extent to fill the gaps in providing access to finances for rural small and medium enterprises (SME) and entrepreneurs and thus pave the way for poverty reduction and economic development of the rural areas of Moldova.

“Savings and Credit Associations involvement in medium and long-term investment lending” project focuses mainly on the implementation of extensive training programs for SCAs, support in savings and liquidity management, financial education of population in rural areas, institutional consolidation program and support in re-licensing of SCAs.