By David Smith | Project Leader
Hello Friends,
Since I last posted an update to our GlobalGiving Campaign in June FSEA has been busy growing and supporting our membership as well as lending our collective voices to key changes necessary for the business and economic climate in Moldova.
We have used our platforms on the Prime Minister’s Economic Council and our growing relationships with government ministries to be a forceful voice supporting change and reform. In a new program we have hosted “Business Breakfasts” with key officials in order for our member companies to directly question the work and progress of their government in supporting their business needs. Our first such event was with Minister of Finance Mr. Octavian Armasu who fielded tough questions from members on such issues as the black economy, simplifying accounting for SMEs, recognition of private contractors (or the lack thereof) and challenges faced by Moldovan firms wanting to buy goods and services online. A second Business Breakfast was held with US Ambassador James Pettit who spoke with FSEA about the challenges faced by small enterprises and provided a perspective on the direction and momentum, of reforms towards the implementation of the EU association agreement.
In addition to our advocacy work this period has seen a broad strengthening of our community and partnerships both within our membership and with other like minded associations. We continue to work closely with the European Business Association and have begun dialogue with regional partners such as the National Council of SME’s in Romania.
Finally, throughout the past months FSEA continues to grow. We have added numerous new members swelling our ranks for 40 companies representing almost every sector in Moldova - from IT to manufacturing, from agriculture to hospitality, our companies know that we are #StrongerTogether.
By the Numbers...
We had 4 events: 2 FSEA lunch, 1 Business over Beers and 2 Business Breakfasts with high level officials: Minister of Finance and US Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.
In response to our member survey we worked with affected members to craft 1 Position Letters to Government Authorities and have returned with early positive results.
We have added 6 new Business Members to the FSEA Community
We attended with our members 4 Externally hosted events
We participated in B2G (Business 2 Government) meetings to represent and advocate for our members:
Thank You,
Seriously. All of this is only possible with your support. As a growing organization our member fees do not cover our costs and we rely on donors and volunteer hours. Each little bit helps - if you could consider donating $5 a / mo it would go a long way to help our financial planning and stability.
Thank you again for your support and time,
David Smith
Co-Founder of Smoke-House SRL
President Foreign Small Enterprise Alliance - FSEA
RPCV - Kazakhstan, Moldova
Links:
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