Ukrainian refugee women can start businesses in Moldova
Refugee women from Ukraine can get involved in business and open their own enterprise in the Republic of Moldova, thanks to a recently launched educational project. Through this project, refugee women are encouraged to present their business ideas and write business plans, for which they will also receive a grant of $5,000. Business representatives point out that every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, has access to investment development and can easily set up a business in our country.
Business organizations and the relevant ministry are open to provide advice and support to Ukrainian refugee women who want to start a business in our country. Extensive job opportunities are also offered in Free Economic Zones (FEZs), which are located in all parts of the country, says Ungheni FEZ administrator Natalia Iepuras. She says there are currently several Ukrainian refugees working in Ungheni, but skilled labour is still needed.
"We are the ones who are going to advise you and inform you how to initiate the procedure to implement one project or another in the Free Economic Zones. In the Ungheni FEZ we have employees from Ukraine, which makes us really happy, but you should know that we still have many vacancies available, especially because we need skilled labour. Surely there are specialists among you who could be found in these free economic zones", explained Natalia Iepuras.
Refugees from Ukraine have shown interest in this project, wanting to contribute to the development of business in our country.
"My name is Katia Golibey and I am interested in whether Ukrainian refugees need a special status, i.e. a temporary protection status or a residence permit, which is generally required except for a Ukrainian citizen's passport to participate in the project, in order to open a small business in Moldova. Hopefully the war will end soon and we will return home. But we know that it takes time to develop a business, so will we be able to continue our work in Moldova?" asks Katia Golibey.
In the process of business development, refugees who encounter certain difficulties can ask for support and advice by turning to relevant organisations and authorities, explained Viorel Garaz, state secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitisation. According to him, every person, regardless of ethnicity, can open a business in our country.
"Any citizen from any country, with a few exceptions, can open a business in the Republic of Moldova, whether you are from Ukraine, Romania, Canada and so on. You have the right to open a business, there are certain restrictions on buying land. If you open a business, you can easily work even in the agricultural sector, you can rent land for your company, there is no difference," said Viorel Garaz.
There are seven Free Economic Zones in Moldova, where the priority type of activity is industrial.
