He also mentioned initiatives and policies aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, such as reducing bureaucratic barriers and ensuring access to finance and resources and others that will facilitate the creation of sustainable space.

Some of the topics covered can be seen below!

Startup support:

1. The use of labour contracts, 0-hour contracts and service provision in startups
2. Deferred payments and taxes for startups at the beginning of their activity
3. Need to expand support for MITP, scaling local startup incubator/accelerator programs

Bureaucracy and foreign investment:

1. Potential to streamline bureaucracy, especially for foreign nationals, registration and employment processes
2. Lack of regulations for foreign venture capital investments in Moldovan startups
3. Discussion of potential legislation to address this issue

Cooperation and access to data:

1. The need to strengthen collaboration between state institutions, startups and SMEs
2. The importance of accessing critical data for startups and SMEs

Payment systems and fees:

1. The absence of payment systems like Stripe and digital banks like Revolut and PayPal
2. The need to reduce interchange fees for banks

The meeting was an excellent opportunity for Moldovan startups to create a direct dialogue with a government official and present the potential to stimulate economic growth and innovation in Moldova. It also emphasises the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to support the development of the startup ecosystem.

Also, during the event, the new Secretary of State in the field of Digitalization from the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization – Mihai Lupașco – was presented.

The event was a success and demonstrated the openness from both sides to create a bright future for the entrepreneurial landscape of the Republic of Moldova.

With continued support from organisations such as Startup Moldova, Yep Moldova, Dreamups and XY Partners and the support of development partners such as USAID, Sweden and UKAid and event partners ArtCor and Purcari Wines – the future looks promising for the Moldovan startup ecosystem.

You can contact the Startup Moldova Foundation for any questions and suggestions at community@startupmoldova.digital and follow our social networks to stay up to date with our work and opportunities for the community here.