REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES: RESEARCH OF THE STRATEGIC EXPORT MARKETS AND DISSEMINATION THROUGH “EXPORT VISION” WORKSHOPS EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE

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-537220-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 Moldovan Government and its Invest Moldova Agency to organize and conduct market research of the targeted export markets and disseminate the results through “Export Vision” workshops offering platforms for businesses to learn about opportunities and challenges within targeted markets and enable more exports from the country.

The assignment will be performed in the period April – December 2026 and will require a level of effort of approximately 150 man-days. The tentative schedule for the workshops is presented in the table below. Tentative schedule of “Export Vision” workshops. Event Due date

1. Visual identity refresh, including the development of a dedicated logo and visual guidelines phase and launch of the 2026 promotional campaign Q2
2. Romania Q2
3. United Kingdom Q2
4. Germany Q3
5. Poland Q3
6. Italy Q4 Final Report December 2026

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 will require a local consulting firm or a consortium of such consulting firms, which: ● Has extensive experience in conducting export market research (demonstrated capabilities and specific projects undertaken) having at least 7 years of experience in the field of the assignment. ● Has competence and demonstrated experience in international trade, designing and applying modern export promotion instruments and tools (trade shows, awards/competitions, financial instruments, etc.) particularly in countries of the region and Western Europe. ● Has knowledge of the economic sectors of Moldova, their needs, reflected by having practical experience in working on SME, export and trade facilitation issues. ● Has proven experience with implementation of similar or alike assignments having at least three successfully implemented projects during the last five years. ● Has staff with relevant competences and experience in the field of export and trade facilitation. ● Has successful prior experience in implementation of donors’ and/or IFIs’ sponsored projects.

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 19, 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 e-mail: piu@mded.gov.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 Research of the strategic export markets and dissemination through “Export Vision” workshops

A. Background The Government of the Republic of Moldova (GoM) is pursuing a policy agenda to support export-led economic growth. The Project aims to increase the competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises by reducing the regulatory burden they face, supporting their access to finance, and supporting MSMEs development and their export competitiveness. The Project will digitize G2B services, which in turn will reduce compliance costs and the regulatory burden for enterprises. In addition, improvements in quality infrastructure, will increase the number of accredited laboratory services and reduce costs for enterprises, which also enabling more exports. These activities will enhance MSME competitiveness in the domestic and international markets. The Project will provide funds to issue partial credit guarantees to support MSME access to finance and funds to support MSMEs in improving their products and services. As a result, access to finance is expected to increase, contributing to MSME survival or growth, job increase or retention, and increased competitiveness and exports. The World Bank has been supporting the Government in its competitiveness and reform efforts through two Competitiveness Enhancement Projects, which closed successfully and focused on: (i) regulatory reform; (ii) small and medium enterprises’ access 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 reform in the area of metrology, standards, testing, and quality. During the implementation of the CEP II, the supported activities generated approximately US$215 million in new exports, more than 1000 jobs, an estimated US$15 million in savings for the private sector linked to the implementation of the electronic one stop shop for permits, as well as other reforms. Two hundred and seventy companies benefited from MGF, with more than 55 percent of them exporting for the first time. A total of US$41 million in new export sales have been realized by program recipients and creating more than 800 new jobs. Impact evaluation of the MGF revealed that for US$1 invested through the program, US$12,4 in new export sales have been achieved. Under the new operation it is also envisaged support for firms through matching grants and export readiness programs. Support under CEP II to new program initiated by ODA on internationalization and export readiness aims at helping aspiring local enterprises become export ready.

B. Project Description
The MSMEs project’s development objectives are: (i) to reduce the regulatory burden, increase access to finance, increase the export competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises, and (ii) in case of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, to respond promptly and effectively to it. 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 by further digitization both at the national and local levels, enhancing and digitizing inspection services, improving interoperability and integrated service delivery for businesses, simplifying the regulatory environment, and improving the National Quality Infrastructure System (hereinafter NQI). Component 2 – Access to Finance. This component aims to support the Credit Guarantee Facility (CGF) under the Organization for Entrepreneurial Development (hereinafter ODA) in providing of financial guarantees to MSMEs, to deliver more effective programs and assistance that have positive spillovers for the growth of MSMEs and export-oriented sectors to expand the business, enter new markets, start new export activities, and introduce new technologies needed for productivity gains. Component 3 – MSME Development and Export Competitiveness, focusing on supporting firms through matching grants, export readiness, supplier linkages, and export promotion programs. The objectives of this component are linked with the Government’s goals of simplifying the rules for MSME operation, supporting business establishment, growth and internationalization, enabling more efficient support programs for MSMEs, as well as facilitating the inflow of investments. Context of export-led growth for Moldova A key challenge facing the Government of Moldova is the need to promote economic growth and job creation based on robust private sector activity, exports and enhanced investment. In this regard, an improved business environment is essential for stimulating sustained private sector growth and attracting both local and foreign investors. Sustainable economic growth of the country is possible only with the implementation of coordinated and results-driven incentive policies in the field of export development and investment activity. Over decades, export-led growth has delivered high growth rates, created new jobs, led to higher labor productivity, ensured relevant inflows of capital and technology, introduced new organizational and managerial methods of production, substantially increased export revenues and, in several cases, turned traditional trade deficit into surplus. It has improved the current account balance and, as a result, contributed to higher financial stability. In accordance with its development agenda, the Government wants to steer the economy towards export-oriented production activities and better exploit the country’s potential as a natural transit point between the East and West. Therefore, at this stage under the current support of the MSME project, the Government through its Invest Moldova Agency is seeking the services of a consulting firm with experience in the field of export promotion, including conducting foreign markets’ analytical research, and capacities to disseminate this information.

C. Objectives of the Assignment Help Moldovan Government and its Invest Moldova Agency to organize and conduct market research of the targeted export markets and disseminate the results through “Export Vision” workshops offering platforms for businesses to learn about opportunities and challenges within targeted markets and enable more exports from the country.

D. Tasks to be performed by the Consultant (Scope of the work) The Consultant to be hired based on these Terms of Reference shall perform the tasks described below:

• Market Studies Carry out 5 (five) market studies on target markets for Moldovan exports as follows:

1. Romania, focus on the sub-sectors of the Moldovan economy with highest export potential to this market.
2. United Kingdom, focus on the sub-sectors of the Moldovan economy with highest export potential to this market.
3. Germany, focus on the sub-sectors of the Moldovan economy with highest export potential to this market.
4. Poland, focus on the sub-sectors of the Moldovan economy with highest export potential to this market.
5. Italy, focus on the sub-sectors of the Moldovan economy with highest export potential to this market. The information should be comprehensive, engaging, catered to a Moldovan audience. These market studies shall reflect the information including, but not limited to:
6. Target market profile
7. Key comparison facts: Moldova vs. analyzed market
8. Top export-import products in the target market
9. Top export-import partners in the target market
10. Moldovan export as-is analysis, including value, share, trends, and future potentials
11. Moldovan exporters interviews (minimum 5 exporters interviewed on their experience)
12. Channels of distribution in target market:

• distribution network profile (main players)
• modern vs traditional retail
• main international retail players
• retail market profile

8. Recommended strategies for market entry and further development:

• direct export & indirect export

9. Process for exporting to the target market:

• export / customs procedures & steps
• export development tools (B2B, expo etc.)
• international trade regulations, certification required, import taxes and others

10. Characteristics of the business culture in the target market and exporting facilities for companies.
11. Exhibitions and database/directories of the target market.

Sponsorship and Media Management The scope of work will also include the design and implementation of small scale targeted promotional campaigns, including paid advertising on social media and business platforms, with a strong focus on reach and conversion (minimum recommended budget of EUR 200 per event and EUR 150 post-event for promoting the studies). For each event: 1 teaser video (15-30s), 1 highlight reel (30-60s), and 2 short interviews (30-60s each). Additional materials may be produced based on event format and audience engagement results. Provide a light refresh of the Export Vision visual identity and deliver a practical brand guide to support consistent use across presentations, banners, and social media materials.

Export Vision workshop In coordination with the MIA (Moldova Investment Agency) deliver 5 (five) “Export Vision” workshops for a group of 45-50 Moldovan exporters (each workshop) interested in the development of export on the target markets, with each workshop dedicated to a specific country / analysis. The structure of the workshops shall include:

● Presentation and discussion of the findings of the market research (app. 30 minutes). ● Interviewing 3-4 identified exporters to reflect export experience of market access and development along with the best practices on the target market. ● Question & Answers session, in which relevant decision-makers and authorities should participate and be engaged. ● Networking time.

The Consultant will also organize the logistics for a high-quality delivery of the workshops, including: ● Rent of the conference room for 4-5 hours period for up to 70 (possible premises: Mediacor, UBC, Digital Park, Radisson Blu, etc.), with adequate and accessible parking spaces. ● Ensure the presentation equipment, including multimedia projector, screen, microphones, etc. ● Provide live broadcasting from the event and invite media representatives. ● Handouts - Presentation on target market - sent by email in digital format. ● Ensure the welcome coffee and snacks during networking. ● Ensure collection of data about participants, i.e. name of the company, name and position of the attendee, e-mail address, phone number, etc. ● Ensure compliance with applicable data protection requirements when collecting and processing participants’ personal data, including obtaining necessary consents and using the data only for the purposes of the assignment. ● At the end of each workshop conduct interviews (through questionnaire) to assess the participants’ satisfaction level. ● Ensure that no promotional materials other than those provided by the Invest Moldova Agency are used or distributed during the workshops.

The Consultant shall provide draft presentation materials prior to the “Export Vision” for review and validation by the Invest Moldova representative.

Both the presentation and the market study will be ready, approved and shared with the participants at least 3 days before the workshop. The approved materials will also be published on the website of the Invest Moldova Agency at least 3 days prior to the workshop.

E. Deliverables / Reports The Consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables: ● Visual identity refresh, including the development of a dedicated logo and visual guidelines, while fully preserving the existing program name. The objective is to improve visual consistency, recognition, and communication impact across all promotional materials and channels. ● 5 Export Vision studies. ● 5 Export Vision presentation materials. ● 5 Export Vision workshop agendas (digital and printed). ● 5 Export Vision workshop participants lists. ● 5 sets of event pictures, covers and photos. ● 5 sets of satisfaction questionnaire results. ● Comprehensive communication strategy. ● Final Report which should include the summary of all activities performed, including inter alia, results in terms of the number of participants, their level of satisfaction, participants’ breakdown by economy sectors, conclusions, etc. All deliverables shall be provided in electronic format. Hard copies (1-2 sets) may be provided only upon written request of MIA/PIU (e.g., Final Report). The language of the deliverables shall be Romanian.

F. Timing for the Assignment The assignment will be performed in the period April – December 2026 and will require a level of effort of approximately 150 man-days. The tentative schedule for the workshops is presented in the table below.

Tentative schedule of “Export Vision” workshops. Event Due date

1. Visual identity refresh, including the development of a dedicated logo and visual guidelines phase and launch of the 2026 promotional campaign Q2
2. Romania Q2
3. United Kingdom Q2
4. Germany Q3
5. Poland Q3
6. Italy Q4 Final Report December 2026

G. Reporting Arrangements The Consultant will act under the supervision of and shall coordinate the progress status with the Investment Agency and the PIU. The Consultant shall coordinate the reports/deliverables with the Investment Agency and other stakeholders as applicable.

H. Local inputs Invest Moldova Agency shall be responsible for the dissemination of the information about the dates, venues, and the topics of the workshops as well as invitation of participants (local producers and exporters) and local media.

I. Terms of payments The Contract will be a lump-sum contract for small assignments in accordance with the World Bank procedures.

For the purpose of payment, a "Country Package" shall include the market study, presentation materials, and the workshop delivery package (agenda, participant list, photos, satisfaction questionnaire results). Payments will be made as follows:

● 1st payment - 20% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the Inception Report and Communication/Visual Identity package; ● 2nd payment - 30% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of Country Package report on Romanian and UK markets; ● 3rd payment - 40% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of Country Package report on German, Polish and Italian markets; ● 4th payment - 10% of the contract amount, upon acceptance of the Final Report and complete evidence package. The payments under the contract will be made by the Project Implementation Unit of the MSME Competitiveness Project upon approval of the reports / deliverables by the Investment Agency.

F. Confidentiality statement All data and information received from MIA, PIU and other stakeholders for the purpose of this assignment is to be treated confidentially and are only to be used in connection with the execution of these Terms of Reference. All intellectual property rights arising from the execution of these Terms of Reference are assigned to PIU. The contents of written materials obtained and used in this assignment may not be disclosed to any third parties without the expressed advance written authorization of the PIU.

J. Requirements for the assignment This assignment will require a local consulting firm or a consortium of such consulting firms, which: ● Has extensive experience in conducting export market research (demonstrated capabilities and specific projects undertaken) having at least 7 years of experience in the field of the assignment. ● Has competence and demonstrated experience in international trade, designing and applying modern export promotion instruments and tools (trade shows, awards/competitions, financial instruments, etc.) particularly in countries of the region and Western Europe. ● Has knowledge of the economic sectors of Moldova, their needs, reflected by having practical experience in working on SME, export and trade facilitation issues. ● Has proven experience with implementation of similar or alike assignments having at least three successfully implemented projects during the last five years. ● Has staff with relevant competences and experience in the field of export and trade facilitation. ● Has successful prior experience in implementation of donors’ and/or IFIs’ sponsored projects.