REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES: Assisting MIA in selecting and preparing Moldovan SMEs for B2B Export Missions

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-537223-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 support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Invest Moldova Agency to carry out activities related to the evaluation/selection and preparation of app. 140 Moldovan SMEs for the B2B export missions.

The assignment will be performed in the period March-December 2026 and shall be aligned with the export missions calendar provided in Tabel 1 of these ToRs. The Consultant shall develop and submit, at the technical and financial proposal stage, a detailed work plan to ensure the accomplishment of the proposed missions calendar. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment is attached to this request for expressions of interest.

The Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project now invites eligible local consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. 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).

This assignment requires a local Consultant, which may be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with proven knowledge of the local SME sector and export /trade promotion, that meets the following requirements:

 Has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience and knowledge of SME sector and export facilitation, export readiness assessment, and market analysis, demonstrated through similar assignments implemented;  Has demonstrated competence and prior experience in developing eligibility criteria, selection methodologies for SME-focused programs and in conducting similar evaluation/selection assessments;  Has proven experience in organizing and facilitating sector-specific workshops and consultations with business associations;  Has sound knowledge of the economic sectors of the Republic of Moldova and their export potential, reflected through practical experience in working on SME development, export facilitation, and trade-related projects;  Has a team of qualified experts with relevant professional experience in export promotion, trade facilitation, market analysis, and business development;  Has proven prior experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or IFI-financed projects, including compliance with reporting and procedural requirements.

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 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 March 13, 2026, COB. Only the letter of Intention must be sent to the email piu@mded.gov.md

Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project 180, Stefan cel Mare Ave., office 815, MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Tel: + 373 22 296-723 e-mail: procurementmgf@gmail.com web: www.uipac.md

TERMS OF REFERENCE Assisting MIA in selecting and preparing Moldovan SMEs for B2B Export Missions (Support to Invest Moldova Agency under World Bank MSME Competitiveness Project)

A. Background The Government of the Republic of Moldova (GoM) is pursuing a policy agenda aimed at supporting export-led economic growth. The MSME Competitiveness Project aims to increase the competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises by reducing the regulatory burden they face, improving access to finance, and strengthening MSME development and export competitiveness. The Project supports the digitization of government-to-business (G2B) services, which is expected to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for enterprises. In addition, improvements in quality infrastructure increase the availability of accredited laboratory services and reduce costs for enterprises, thereby facilitating increased exports. These measures contribute to enhancing MSME competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The Project also provides funding for partial credit guarantees to improve MSME access to finance, as well as support for enterprises to upgrade their products and services. As a result, access to finance is expected to improve, contributing to MSME survival and growth, job creation or retention, and increased competitiveness and export performance. The World Bank has supported the Government’s competitiveness and reform efforts through two Competitiveness Enhancement Projects (CEP I and CEP II), which were successfully completed and focused on: (i) regulatory reform; (ii) access of small and medium-sized enterprises to business development services and quality certifications through a Matching Grant Facility (MGF); (iii) access to finance through a line of credit (LoC) for exporters; and (iv) quality infrastructure, including equipment and institutional reforms in the areas of metrology, standards, testing, and quality. During the implementation of CEP II, supported activities generated approximately USD 215 million in new exports, created more than 1,000 jobs, and resulted in approximately USD 15 million in private-sector savings, linked to the implementation of the electronic one-stop shop for permits, among other reforms. A total of 270 companies benefited from the MGF, with more than 55 percent exporting for the first time. Program beneficiaries generated approximately USD 41 million in new export sales and created over 800 new jobs. Impact evaluations of the MGF showed that for every USD 1 invested, approximately USD 12.4 in new export sales were generated. Under the current operation, continued support for firms is envisaged through matching grants and export readiness programs. In particular, support provided under CEP II contributed to the launch of a new internationalization and export readiness program implemented by the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development (ODA), aimed at helping local enterprises become export-ready. Building on these achievements, the Ministry of Economy (MoE) has expressed a strong interest in a project that capitalizes on previous successes, addresses institutional capacity challenges, and adopts a more comprehensive approach to enterprise competitiveness. Against this background, and under the support of the MSME Competitiveness Project, the Government through the Invest Moldova Agency (IMA) is seeking the services of a local consulting firm with knowledge and prior experience in working with SME and public sectors, on export promotion and facilitation, market analysis, and export readiness assessments.

B. Project Description The MSME Competitiveness Project’s development objectives are to: (i) reduce the regulatory burden, increase access to finance, and enhance the export competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises; and (ii) respond promptly and effectively in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency. The Project consists of the following key components: Component 1 – Regulatory Reform and Digitization. This component supports the Government in reducing the regulatory burden on businesses through further digitization at both national and local levels, enhancement and digitization of inspection services, improved interoperability and integrated service delivery, simplification of the regulatory environment, and strengthening of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) system. Component 2 – Access to Finance. This component aims to support the Credit Guarantee Facility under the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development (ODA) in providing financial guarantees to MSMEs, enabling the delivery of more effective programs and assistance with positive spillover effects for MSME growth and export-oriented sectors. The component supports business expansion, entry into new markets, initiation of export activities, and adoption of new technologies to enhance productivity. Component 3 – MSME Development and Export Competitiveness. This component focuses on supporting firms through matching grants, export readiness programs, supplier linkages, and export promotion activities. Its objectives are aligned with the Government’s goals of simplifying MSME operations, supporting business establishment, growth, and internationalization, improving the efficiency of MSME support programs, and facilitating investment inflows. Context of export-led growth for Moldova A key challenge facing the Government of the Republic of Moldova is the need to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation driven by robust private sector activity, exports, and increased investment. Export-led growth has historically delivered higher productivity, increased employment, improved trade balances, and enhanced financial stability. In line with its development agenda, the Government aims to steer the economy toward export-oriented production activities and better leverage the country’s strategic geographic position. Against this background, and under the support of the MSME Competitiveness Project, the Government through the Invest Moldova Agency (IMA) is seeking the services of a local consulting firm with proven experience in export promotion, organization of B2B matchmaking meetings, foreign market analysis, and logistical support to assist IMA in the process of preparation of B2B export missions. Invest Moldova Agency has a number of 15 export missions planned for 2026 with a tentative calendar as per Table 1. Target markets, sectors and tentative calendar of the B2B export missions (see below).   Tabel 1. Target markets, sectors and tentative calendar of the B2B export missions Target Market Sector Tentative timeline / period Number of participants Romania (4 missions) Food products June 01-20, 2026 35 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Fruits Furniture / Wood Processing (TAFL) Industrial products United Arab Emirates (3 missions) Food products June 15 - July 05, 2026 25 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Fruits Light industry Italy (4 missions) Furniture September 05-30, 2026 35 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Medical Tourism Light Industry Agri-food Products Poland (2 missions) Food Products October 01-15, 2026 20 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Fruits Germany (2 missions) Fruits October 20-November 10, 2026 20 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Agri-food products

C. Objective of the Assignment The objective of the assignment is to support the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Invest Moldova Agency to carry out activities related to the evaluation/selection and preparation of app. 140 Moldovan SMEs for the B2B export missions. D. Tasks to be performed by the Consultant (Scope of Work) To achieve the objectives of the assignment, the Consultant shall perform the tasks described below.

1. Conduct an assessment to identify export-ready Moldovan SMEs and niche product categories with demand on the target market(s), based on desk research and consultations with producers’ associations and sector stakeholders.
2. Present the results of the assessment through sector-specific workshops using the Invest Moldova Agency’s public platforms, validating findings with entrepreneurs and business associations.
3. In coordination with the Invest Moldova Agency, provide inputs to confirm and finalize the structure of the export missions (sector focus, profile of companies to be targeted, indicative expectations for B2B format). Final confirmation remains with IMA.
4. Develop market intelligence notes for each selected sector, including market opportunities, buyer profiles, distribution channels, regulatory requirements, applicable standards, and key challenges for Moldovan exporters on the target market(s). These notes shall serve as input for eligibility and selection criteria and for preparing SMEs.
5. Assist the Invest Moldova Agency in preparing the call for participation and defining eligibility and selection criteria for participating SMEs, including application form(s), required supporting documents, and clarification process.
6. Support the evaluation and selection process of participating SMEs, ensuring the selection of at least 7–10 companies per export mission (as applicable), based on the criteria and methodology agreed with and validated by the Invest Moldova Agency. The Consultant shall ensure proper documentation of evaluation results (score sheets and consolidated ranking).
7. The list of selected SMEs shall be submitted to the Invest Moldova Agency for coordination at least six (6) weeks prior to the export mission and shall include the following information: company profiles, opportunities for Moldovan counterparts, and contact details.
8. The Consultant shall prepare individualized and tailored company profiles for each selected Moldovan SME, specifically designed for presentation to potential foreign buyers. These profiles shall clearly describe each company’s business activity, export-ready products or services, competitive advantages, and concrete cooperation opportunities. These profiles shall be used as mandatory input by the contractor responsible for engaging foreign partners and organizing B2B meetings abroad.
9. The Consultant shall consolidate results across all export missions implemented under the Program and prepare a periodic analytical summary highlighting performance trend, recurring bottlenecks affecting SME performance, and lessons learned, as well as practical, evidence-based recommendations to the Invest Moldova Agency, aimed at improving SME selection, preparation, and future export promotion interventions.
10. The Consultant shall monitor the performance of participating SMEs over a period of twelve (12) months after mission completion and shall submit structured progress reports at 3, 9, and 12 months, covering indicators such as follow-up contacts, contracts concluded, exports generated, and other relevant outcomes. NOTE: Organization of the B2Bs in the destination country. Activities related to identifying foreign partners, planning and scheduling the missions abroad, logistical arrangements in the destination country, organizing B2B meetings and visits abroad, will be implemented under a separate contract(s) with selected consulting firm(s) from the country(es) of destination, where the B2Bs missions will take place.

F. Deliverables / Outcomes During the implementation of the contract, the Consultant is expected to develop and submit the following deliverables:

1. Clear and transparent eligibility and selection criteria applied, with documented evaluation results.
2. Selecting and preparing a number of Moldovan SMEs, as outlined in Table 1, for each target market and export mission, including development of standardized and tailored English-language company profiles.
3. Assessment notes identifying export-ready SMEs and niche product categories with demand on the target market(s);
4. Sector-specific workshop package(s): agenda, presentations, list of participants, and summary of validation results;
5. Market intelligence notes for each selected sector (opportunities, buyer profiles, channels, requirements/standards, key challenges);
6. Call for participation package and eligibility criteria & selection methodology, including application forms and scoring approach;
7. List of applicant SMEs, list of selected SMEs and reserve list, including documented evaluation results;
8. Individualized company profiles (English) for each selected SME, prepared for presentation to potential foreign buyers;
9. Report summarizing activities performed, selection results, and recommendations.
10. Periodic status reports on export mission outcomes and follow-up results at 3, 9, and 12 months after the completion of each export mission;
11. Consolidated analytical report summarizing results across all export missions implemented during the reporting period, including identified performance trends, recurring bottlenecks, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for future export missions and SME support measures. G. Inputs from key players The Invest Moldova Agency, in coordination with the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development (ODA), shall provide the following support to the Consultant: • Provide the list of potential participants for the export missions from among the beneficiaries of Invest Moldova Agency and ODA programs; • Lead and actively participate in the evaluation and selection process of beneficiary companies, ensuring transparency, fairness, and proper documentation of decisions taken; • Disseminate information regarding the export missions to eligible beneficiary companies and relevant business associations; • Ensure overall institutional coordination and oversight throughout the preparation phase. The Beneficiary companies participating in the B2B export missions shall be responsible for covering the following costs (as applicable under the overall program design): • International and local travel costs to and from the country of destination; • Accommodation and per diem expenses for the duration of the export missions. The Consultant (local consulting firm in the Republic of Moldova) shall be responsible for covering the costs and activities as described above, including preparation of analytical notes, workshops’ technical organization (if required, including space rent, coffee breaks), documentation, company profiling, and reporting.

H. Reports and Reporting Arrangements The results of the assignment will be presented in a series of reports, containing a detailed description of the fulfillment of the tasks foreseen under Clause D (Scope of Work). The Reports shall be developed & submitted being aligned with the proposed missions calendar provided in Tabel 1 of these ToRs. At the stage of the technical and financial proposal, the Consultant shall prepare and submit a schedule for the submission of reports, aligned with the mission calendar. The Consultant shall produce the following progress reports: 1st Progress Report. This report shall present the Consultant’s progress, findings, and deliverables related to the initial assessment and preparatory activities, including the results of the conducted analysis and preliminary confirmation of the selected sector focus. 2nd Progress Report. This report shall present the Consultant’s progress, findings, and deliverables related to market intelligence development and support provided during the evaluation and selection of participating SMEs. Final Report. This report shall consolidate the final results, including, inter alia, the final list of selected SMEs and reserve list, and the individualized company profiles in English for each selected SME. All deliverables shall be provided in electronic format, and in hard copy upon request. The working languages for all reports shall be Romanian and English. The Consultant will act under the supervision of and shall coordinate the progress status with the Invest Moldova Agency and the PIU. The Consultant shall coordinate the reports/deliverables with the Invest Moldova Agency, the PIU, ODA, and other stakeholders as applicable. I. Period and Terms of the Assignment
The assignment will be implemented in the period March-December 2026 and shall be aligned with the export missions calendar provided in Tabel 1 of these ToRs. The Consultant shall develop and submit, at the technical and financial proposal stage, a detailed work plan to ensure the accomplishment of the proposed missions calendar. The beneficiaries’ selection results and individualized company profiles shall be ready at least six (6) weeks prior to each mission start date to enable partner outreach and matchmaking. J. Requirements for the assignment This assignment requires a local Consultant, which may be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with proven knowledge of the local SME sector and export /trade promotion, that meets the following requirements: • Has a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience and knowledge of SME sector and export facilitation, export readiness assessment, and market analysis, demonstrated through similar assignments implemented; • Has demonstrated competence and prior experience in developing eligibility criteria, selection methodologies for SME-focused programs and in conducting similar evaluation/selection assessments; • Has proven experience in organizing and facilitating sector-specific workshops and consultations with business associations; • Has sound knowledge of the economic sectors of the Republic of Moldova and their export potential, reflected through practical experience in working on SME development, export facilitation, and trade-related projects; • Has a team of qualified experts with relevant professional experience in export promotion, trade facilitation, market analysis, and business development; • Has proven prior experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or IFI-financed projects, including compliance with reporting and procedural requirements. K. Terms of payment The Contract will be a lump-sum contract for small assignments in accordance with the World Bank procedures. The tentative payment schedule is as follows: • 20% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the 1st progress report; • 30% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the 2nd progress report (including the approved selection methodology and documented evaluation file); • 50% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the Final Report, including the validated final list of selected SMEs and individualized company profiles (English) for all selected SMEs. The payments under the contract will be made by the PIU upon approval of the reports by the Invest Moldova Agency.