The light industry is increasingly oriented towards business digitalization and online commerce. Within the “Digital IMPACT” program, the Employers’ Association of Light Industry (APIUS) from Moldova, which includes a number of local companies in the field of light industry, benefited from support and assistance in developing a new version of the site www.dininima.md, but also the development of the DININIMA mobile application. As a result, customers will have access to all products of local moldovan brands, but also a direct link to the online stores of these brands. All in order for local producers to improve their business development tools and facilitate the use of e-commerce and sales tools. “Digital IMPACT” is part of the “Startup Moldova” National Program and is developed within the TEKWILL project, with the support of USAID and Sweden’s development partners.

Digital solutions for the light industry

With the support of the “Digital IMPACT” program, the new version of the site is to be made in accordance with the latest technological and design trends, to include complete information about all local brands under the DININIMA umbrella. The site will be accessible to both local and foreign consumers. And the mobile application will offer buyers the opportunity to be up to date with the latest collections, recommended products, but also permanent discounts and loyalty programs.

Marcela Lozovanu, executive director of APIUS: “Previously, the site was much too loaded and did not have a well-defined structure. We thought of simplifying it, so that it becomes a business card for all companies. In addition, last year we developed an e-commerce acceleration program and we want to integrate the actual brands, which have functional sites. Through the program, we aim to make local businesses as visible and accessible as possible. We will also implement an extension (www.dininima.com), which we will promote on the European market, because there is increased interest from those countries. The IMPACT Digital program has helped us with expertise and financial support in the transition to digitalization, and we, together with our partners, will promote the light industry both in the country and abroad. ”

Under the Digital IMPACT program, businesses in traditional sectors benefit from digital solutions to develop their services and products. In partnership with representatives of the IT sector and experts in the field, the problems faced by the strategic areas of the national economy are analyzed and researched, and subsequently — transformation solutions are offered, which could have a major impact on business scaling.

Ana Chirița, TEKWILL project director: “Facilitating the transition to business digitalization continues to be one of the priorities that the Tekwill project supports, and innovations have shown that they have the ability to transform companies, becoming more competitive in the market and more prepared to move. at another level of development. Light industry is no exception, and the challenges of the pandemic have once again confirmed that technology is an absolute necessity for society as a whole. ”

The digitalization of business in the Republic of Moldova is also supported by external development partners.

Scott Hocklander, Head of the USAID Mission to Moldova: “The challenges we face demonstrate the value of digital tools to lead companies, enable digital education, secure revenue and jobs, and keep savings afloat, while maintaining at the same time the physical distance. For this reason, USAID is working closely with several partners to develop digital and e-commerce solutions. Since 2005, we have helped Moldovan manufacturing companies to create new jobs, open new stores and access new markets. And now USAID is proud to highlight the DinInimă brands in relaunching the website and launching a new mobile application. This Digital IMPACT initiative, implemented by Tekwill with USAID support, will facilitate sales and continue to benefit Moldovan companies and the country as a result of the rapid growth of the digital economy. ”

Adam Amberg, Adviser, Head of Development Cooperation, Swedish Embassy in Moldova: “Sweden will continue to promote the digitization of the non-IT sectors and support e-commerce as an opportunity for businesses on their way to evolution. We will also contribute to the development of the IT sector, facilitating the access of all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, to the best practices and knowledge in the field. We want a society that progresses, competitive jobs, and we are convinced that digitalisation and innovation lead to increased transparency, prosperity and well-being. ”

The TEKWILL project — The revolution begins!

The TEKWILL project is implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of USAID and Sweden. “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. In order to continue to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center has expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!” The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country, by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of institutions. education, in line with the demand in the IT market.