East Invest continues its support to business organisations and small and medium sized enterprises in the six Eastern Partnership countries
Publicat pe 20/05/2015
The European Commission is extending its support to business organisations and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the six Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) with the project “East Invest 2”, building on the efforts that were made in the first phase.
The official launching conference took place today in Riga, where some 90 business organisations from the European Union and the Eastern Partnership countries met to explore possible business avenues with a view to promoting the development of a conducive economic environment and competitive private sector in the Eastern Partnership region, while enhancing trade flows and investments between the EU Member States and the Eastern Neighbourhood.
The implementation of East Invest 2 has been entrusted to EUROCHAMBRES (the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and UEAPME (the European organisation of small and medium sized and crafts enterprises). They will facilitate training for business support organisations and SMEs in different areas, including DCFTA (Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area) provisions and public-private dialogue, with the objective of familiarising them with the conditions for doing business with the European Union.
“In today’s economic and political climate, it is essential to continue building bridges between the European and the Eastern Partnership business communities,” stated Arnaldo Abruzzini, EUROCHAMBRES’ Secretary General, “for businesses from both sides to be able to exploit the opportunities that enhanced trade will offer them. The business organisations are key players in this scenario as they know their territory and act as multipliers for companies.”
“Answering the needs of the Eastern Partnership business community with strategic advice from the European side and exchange of best practices, East Invest 2 will contribute to shaping a favourable business environment in the Eastern Partnership region for both regions to do business with each other,” mentioned Peter Faross, UEAPME’s Secretary General.
Business support organisations from the six Eastern Partnership countries can express their interest in the project by filling in the expression of interest form.