REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES: Conducting B2B export promotion missions for Moldovan SMEs to Germany

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- 537234-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 the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Invest Moldova Agency to organize and implement two sector-specific export missions (for 2 sectors in Table 1) for at least 20 (twenty) Moldovan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with export potential.

The assignment will be implemented in the period August-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. Table 1. Target sectors, timeline and number of participants Market Sector / mission Timeline Number of Participants Germany Fruits October 20-November 10, 2026 20 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Agri-food products

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 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 Consultant, which shall be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with proven local presence and operational capacity in Germany, that meets the following requirements:  Has a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in export promotion, organization of B2B meetings, trade missions, and market research, demonstrated through similar assignments implemented.  Has demonstrated competence and experience in international trade and export promotion, including the design and application of modern export promotion instruments and tools, with a strong focus on the German market and comparable EU markets.  Has proven experience in the implementation of at least three (3) similar assignments during the last five (5) years, involving the organization of export missions, B2B matchmaking, and cooperation with foreign buyers and partners.  Has demonstrated experience in organizing study visits, company visits, and sector-specific business programs for foreign SMEs, including coordination with local companies, clusters, business associations, and relevant institutions.  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, B2B matchmaking, and business development.  Has proven prior experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or International Financial Institutions (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 26, 2026, COB.

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 Web site: http://uipac.md web: www.uipac.md

E-mail for submission of the clarifications: piu@mded.gov.md E-mail for submission of the EoIs: procurementmgf@gmail.com
Only the notification of EoI submission must be sent to piu@mded.gov.md

  TERMS OF REFERENCE Conducting B2B export promotion missions for Moldovan SMEs to Germany (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. 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 consulting firm based in Germany with proven experience in export promotion, organization of B2B meetings, supplier-buyer matchmaking, foreign market analysis, and logistical support for the organization of B2B export missions in Germany. 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 organize and implement two sector-specific export missions (for 2 sectors in Table 1) for at least 20 (twenty) Moldovan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with export potential. The assignment aims to facilitate market entry and export growth of Moldovan SMEs through the organization of structured B2B meetings and study visits in Germany, enabling direct interaction with potential buyers, distributors, importers, retail chains, industrial clients, and other relevant market actors. The Consultant shall implement the missions exclusively on the basis of the list of SMEs and company profiles validated by the Invest Moldova Agency and shall not replace or independently recruit participating companies. NOTE: Selection of the B2Bs participants. Assessment to identify export-ready Moldovan SMEs, workshops, market intelligence notes for selection, call for participation, eligibility and selection criteria, evaluation and selection of SMEs, and preparation of SME company profiles will be implemented under a separate assignment with a local consulting firm in the Republic of Moldova. Table 1 from below provides details on target sectors, timeline and the number of participant for the upcoming B2B missions to Germany. Table 1. Target sectors, timeline and number of participants Market Sector / mission Timeline Number of Participants Germany Fruits October 20-November 10, 2026 20 (number of participants per sector should be not less than 5) Agri-food products

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. Support the local consulting firm in Moldova through strategic advice, expert input, guidance, and review, particularly with regard to foreign market requirements, international buyer expectations, sector-specific trends, and market-specific insights, ensuring that the selected SMEs and prepared company profiles are aligned with the realities and standards of the targeted foreign markets.
2. Plan and schedule two sector-specific export missions (for 2 sectors) to Germany, ensuring the participation of a minimum of 20 SMEs, based on the validated list of companies provided by the Invest Moldova Agency.
3. Identify and engage German companies and institutions relevant for each sector, including importers, distributors, retail chains, industrial buyers, clusters, and business associations.
4. Provide the Invest Moldova Agency with a list of German partners per each mission, submitted for validation at least six (6) weeks prior to each export mission. The list shall include company profiles and contact information.
5. Organize structured B2B meetings and study visits for participating SMEs, including visits to: • potential partner companies; • production facilities or distribution centers; • sector-relevant clusters, trade hubs, or retail networks.
6. Develop and submit detailed B2B agendas and study visit schedules no later than four (4) weeks prior to each mission.
7. Prepare and provide participating SMEs with individual information packages, including partner profiles, meeting agendas, and study visit itineraries.
8. Conduct pre-mission briefings covering business practices in Germany, sector trends, cultural aspects, mission logistics, and rules of conduct.
9. Facilitate the implementation of export missions, ensuring a minimum of five (5) structured business interactions per SME, including B2B meetings and study visits.
10. Organize post-mission feedback sessions and assist SMEs in identifying follow-up actions. This work shall be carried out in close cooperation with the ODA internationalization program. The Invest Moldova Agency shall coordinate closely with ODA, as applicable, in line with export readiness programs, the Matching Grants Facility (MGF), and supplier linkage initiatives. E. Deliverables / Outcomes During the implementation of the contract, the Consultant is expected to develop and submit the following deliverables and outcomes: • List of German companies identified and validated as potential B2B partners for the export missions, including company profiles and contact information; • Concept notes, agendas, presentations, and information kits for pre-mission briefings, focusing on business practices and opportunities on the German market; • Individual B2B meeting schedules and information packages for each participating Moldovan SME, including profiles of German partner companies and tailored itineraries and study visits. • Organization and successful implementation of four (2) export missions to Germany for 20 Moldovan companies with at least five (5) business interactions per SME. • Post-mission reports summarizing the implementation of each export mission, including qualitative feedback and assessment of results; • Results of participant satisfaction surveys conducted after each export mission. No promotional or branding materials other than those provided by the Invest Moldova Agency are used or distributed during briefings, or B2B meetings. G. Inputs from key players The Invest Moldova Agency, in coordination with the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA), shall provide the following support to the Consultant: • Provide the validated list of participating SMEs and their company profiles (English). • Ensure overall institutional coordination and oversight throughout the preparation and implementation of the export missions. • Review and validate the list of German partners and key deliverables. The SMEs participating in the export missions shall be responsible for covering the following costs: • International and local travel costs to, from and in the country of destination. • Accommodation and per diem expenses for the duration of the export missions. Beside the tasks to be performed, the Consultant (local consulting firm contracted in Germany) shall be responsible for covering, inter alia, the following costs: • Provision of local logistical support, including coordination of meeting venues, site visits, and mission-related activities. • Organization and rent of conference and meeting spaces for briefings, including all necessary equipment (laptops, multimedia projectors, screens, microphones, etc.), as well as coffee breaks, where applicable.

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 technical and financial proposal, the Consultant shall prepare and submit a schedule for the submission of reports, aligned with the missions’ calendar. The Consultant shall produce the following reports: 1st Progress Report. This report shall present the Consultant’s progress, findings, and deliverables related to the preparation and planning activities, including the list of German partners submitted for validation. The report shall be submitted within five (5) weeks after the contract effectiveness. 2nd Progress Report. This report shall present the Consultant’s progress and deliverables related to finalization of B2B agendas, schedules, information packages, and pre-mission briefing preparation. The report shall be submitted within nice (9) weeks after the contract effectiveness. 3rd Progress Report. These reports shall cover the Consultant’s progress and deliverables related to the implementation of export missions, including B2B meeting schedules, study visits, information packages for participating SMEs, and the report on each conducted export mission. Reports shall be submitted for each export mission conducted, as applicable. 4th Progress Report. These reports shall present the assessment of results achieved, participant feedback, and follow-up activities implemented after each export mission, in line with the Scope of Work. Reports shall be submitted after the completion of each mission, as applicable. The Invest Moldova Agency, ODA, the World Bank project team, and other relevant stakeholders may provide comments on the submitted deliverables, which shall be addressed by the Consultant accordingly. All deliverables shall be provided in electronic format, and in hard copy upon request. The working languages for all reports shall be English. I. Period and Terms of the Assignment
The assignment will be implemented in the period August-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. J. Requirements for the Assignment This assignment requires a Consultant, which shall be a consulting firm or a consortium of consulting firms, with proven local presence and operational capacity in Germany, that meets the following requirements: • Has a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in export promotion, organization of B2B meetings, trade missions, and market research, demonstrated through similar assignments implemented. • Has demonstrated competence and experience in international trade and export promotion, including the design and application of modern export promotion instruments and tools, with a strong focus on the German market and comparable EU markets. • Has proven experience in the implementation of at least three (3) similar assignments during the last five (5) years, involving the organization of export missions, B2B matchmaking, and cooperation with foreign buyers and partners. • Has demonstrated experience in organizing study visits, company visits, and sector-specific business programs for foreign SMEs, including coordination with local companies, clusters, business associations, and relevant institutions. • 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, B2B matchmaking, and business development. • Has proven prior experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or International Financial Institutions (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: • 15% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the 1st progress report; • 20% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the 2nd progress report; • 50% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of reports for each completed B2B export missions in Germany. • 15% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the 4th progress report. The payments under the contract will be made by the PIU upon approval of the reports by the Invest Moldova Agency.