REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE
CONSULTING SERVICES - “INBOUND EXPORT MISSIONS TO STRATEGIC SECTORS OF MOLDOVA (FRUITS AND HONEY SECTORS)” (MSME COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT)
REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT Sector: General industry and trade sector IDA Credit No. 71740 IBRD Loan No. 94230 Project ID No. P177895 Reference No. MD-CEP-474933-CS-CQS
The Republic of Moldova has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Competitiveness Project (MSME) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.
The consulting services (“the Services”) include providing targeted buyer identification along with comprehensive logistics and support services for organizing 2 (two) inbound mission focused on promoting Moldova’s strategic sectors and boosting export opportunities in the Fresh Fruits and Honey Sectors. The EFTA-Moldova Free Trade Agreement, entered into force on April 1, 2025 and aims to facilitate trade between the two parties. For fresh fruits, the target buyer markets are EFTA countries like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, with a goal of 10 qualified buyers and 10 Moldovan companies participating in at least 5 tailored B2B meetings each. Similarly, for honey, the target markets are Italy and/or Germany, with the same objective of 10 buyers and 10 local companies participating in at least 5 tailored B2B meetings/local company. The main objective of the assignment is to organize and conduct by the end of 2025 two inbound business missions for international trade delegations to connect them with Moldovan producers from (i) Fresh Fruits sector and (ii) Honey sector, including the identification and recruiting high-potential international buyers, coordination of B2B matchmaking, and arranging complete travel logistics for international participants.
The assignment is expected to be implemented during the period September 2025 through December 2026. Both inbound missions are expected to take place during the period September 2025 through December 2025 for core activities and January – December 2026 for the activities related to the results monitoring assessment. Each mission is expected to last for a period of 4 to 5 days.
The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the primary procurement stage for the assignment are attached to this request for expressions of interest.
The Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible an experienced local specialized firm, or a consortium of such firms with demonstrated experience in identifying and recruiting relevant foreign buyers, as well as in managing all logistical components of inbound business delegations. This includes international travel arrangements, local transportation within Moldova, hotel accommodations, coordination of the mission agenda, and on-the-ground operational support to ensure a smooth and impactful experience for all participants. The Consultant should have strong capabilities in customer care and stakeholder communication, providing clear, timely, and responsive support to both foreign buyers and Moldovan participants throughout all phases of the mission - pre-arrival, during the visit, and post-mission follow-up. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (required qualifications and experience of the firm, but not individual experts’ bio data).
The Consultant shall furnish documentary evidence (including information about the completed contracts and contact information of clients to whom similar services have been provided) to demonstrate that it meets the following experience requirements: Consultant’ proven experience in carrying out similar assignments related to inbound business missions of international trade delegations, including the coordination of B2B matchmaking and buyer engagement. Supporting references should be provided by having at least 7 (seven) years of experience in the field of the assignment. Consultant’ demonstrated experience and competence in designing and applying modern export promotion instruments and tools with established relations and access to international network of potential buyers (e.g. wholesalers, supermarkets chains, etc). Consultant’ demonstrated experience and proven capability of arranging complete travel logistics for international delegations, including booking airplane tickets for inbound travel and coordinating local transportation options to support all mission-related activities within the country. Consultant’ portfolio that would prove professional excellence and professional capacity and previous successful experience of the company and staff with at least 3 (three) similar or alike successfully implemented assignments. Consultant has thorough knowledge of the economic sectors of Moldova, their needs, reflected by having practical experience in working on SME, export and trade facilitation issues. Consultant’ successful prior experience in implementation of donors’ and/or IFIs’ sponsored projects.
The selection criteria are:
Criteria Points
- 1 Competence and experience and competence in designing and applying modern export promotion instruments and tools with established relations and access to international network of potential buyers. 35
- 2 Track record of similar assignments by having at least 7 (seven) years of experience in carrying out similar assignments related to inbound business missions of international trade delegations, including the coordination of B2B matchmaking and buyer engagement. Knowledge of the economic sectors of Moldova, their needs, reflected by having practical experience in working on SME, export and trade facilitation issues 35
- 3 Demonstrated ability and experienced staff with at least three similar successfully implemented similar assignments as well as experience and proven capability of arranging complete travel logistics for international delegations, including booking airplane tickets for inbound travel and coordinating local transportation options to support all mission-related activities within the country. 25
- 4 Has successful prior experience in implementation of donors’ and/or IFIs’ sponsored projects 5
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” November 2020 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the „Consultant’s Qualification-based Selection” method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications; but they should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.
The Expression of Interest shall clearly state the name of the Consultant (individual Firm, Joint Venture or sub-consultancy). The Consultant shall provide relevant references (assignment name, Client, time frame, the role of the firm (main Consultant/Partner in JV/sub-consultant, contract amount, tasks performed etc.) to confirm its experience and qualifications.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by September 25, 2025, COB.
Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project
Attn. Mr. Aureliu Casian, Executive Director
180, Stefan cel Mare Ave., office 815, MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Tel: + 373 22 296-723; + 373 22 296-724;
e-mail: procurementmgf@gmail.com
with a notification about submission of EoI to email: piu@mded.gov.md
web: www.uipac.md