REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONSULTING SERVICES: Inbound Export Missions to Strategic Sectors of Moldova Agri-Food Products and Furniture

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- 544547-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”) and the main objective of the assignment is to organize and conduct, by the end of November 2026, inbound business missions for international trade partners aimed at connecting them with Moldovan producers from the following sectors: (i) agri-food products (including fresh fruits, nuts, honey, and other agri-food products with export potential) and (ii) furniture and wood processing products. The assignment will include the identification and recruitment of high-potential international buyers, the coordination of B2B matchmaking meetings, and the provision of complete travel and logistical support for international participants.

The assignment will be implemented in the period May 2026-July 2027, including both inbound missions are expected to take place between September and November 2026 for the core mission activities, with results monitoring conducted during the period January – July 2027.

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 specialized firm, or a consortium of such firms, with demonstrated experience in B2Bs events, including recruiting international buyers, as well as managing logistics components of inbound business delegations, which includes international travel arrangements, local transportation within Moldova, hotel accommodation, coordination of the mission agenda, and on-the-ground operational support, that meets the following minimum criteria:

● Proven experience in carrying out similar assignments related to inbound business missions for international trade delegations, including coordination of B2B matchmaking and buyer engagement, with at least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the field. ● Demonstrated capability and proven experience in arranging complete travel and logistical services for international delegations, including booking international flights and coordinating local transportation for mission-related activities, with at least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the field. ● Demonstrated experience and competence in designing and implementing modern export promotion instruments and tools, including established relations and access to international networks of potential buyers (e.g., importers, wholesalers, retail chains, buying offices). ● Demonstrated strong capabilities in customer care and stakeholder communication, providing clear, timely, and responsive support to both international and Moldovan participants throughout similar assignments, including pre-arrival preparation, on-site mission delivery, and post-mission follow-up. ● Knowledge of the economic sectors of the Republic of Moldova and their export potential, supported by experience in SME development, export promotion, or trade facilitation initiatives. ● Previous successful experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or international financial institution (IFI)-financed 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 April 21, 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 Inbound Export Missions to Strategic Sectors of Moldova Agri-Food Products and Furniture

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. 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. In accordance with its development agenda, the Government aims to steer the economy towards export-oriented production activities and better exploit the country’s potential as a natural transit point between East and West. In accordance with its mandate, Invest Moldova Agency supports domestic companies in their internationalization efforts and in the adoption of modern export instruments. Therefore, under the current support of the MSME Competitiveness Project, the Government, through Invest Moldova Agency, is seeking the services of a qualified company (Consultant) to provide targeted buyer identification, along with comprehensive logistics and support services, for organizing two (2) inbound missions focused on promoting Moldova’s strategic export sectors and boosting export opportunities in (i) the agri-food sector (including fresh fruits, nuts, honey, and other agro-food products) and (ii) the furniture and wood processing sector. The missions will target international buyers relevant to these sectors, with a focus on EFTA countries and priority European markets such as Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, and the UK. Each sector mission is expected to involve a total of 20 international buyers across the missions and facilitating a minimum of 5 high-quality, pre-matched B2B meetings for each participating Moldovan company. Such missions should be well-organized and results-oriented, and aim to strengthen trade relations, support Moldova’s export promotion strategy, and build lasting commercial ties between Moldovan businesses and international partners. B. Objectives of the Assignment The main objective of the assignment is to organize and conduct, by the end of November 2026, inbound business missions for international trade partners aimed at connecting them with Moldovan producers from the following sectors: (i) agri-food products (including fresh fruits, nuts, honey, and other agri-food products with export potential) and (ii) furniture and wood processing products. The assignment will include the identification and recruitment of high-potential international buyers, the coordination of B2B matchmaking meetings, and the provision of complete travel and logistical support for international participants. C. Tasks to be performed (Scope of the Work) During the implementation of the assignment, the Consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

1. Targeted identification and selection of relevant, high-potential international buyers aligned with the mission’s target sectors for collaboration with 30 Moldovan SMEs, ensuring that their business profiles and interests align with Moldova’s key export sectors and strategic objectives. The Consultant shall ensure the participation of: a) Agri-food products sector – 15 qualified international buyers relevant for products such as fresh fruits, nuts, honey and other agri-food products with export potential; b) Furniture and wood processing sector – 5 qualified international buyers relevant for furniture and related wood processing products. The table below presents the assignment matrix in terms of sectors and expected participants.

Sector Target Buyer Markets Number of International Buyers Number of targeted local companies Matchmaking Objective Agri-food products (fresh fruits, nuts, honey, dried fruits, etc.) EFTA countries , Germany, Romania, United Kingdom 15 buyers 20 SMEs Minimum 5 high-quality, pre-matched B2B meetings / Moldovan company Furniture and wood processing products Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania 5 buyers 10 SMEs Minimum 5 high-quality, pre-matched B2B meetings / Moldovan company

• While the assignment prioritizes the agri-food sector and the furniture and wood processing sector, the Consultant may, based on market analysis and buyer demand, propose additional markets, buyer profiles, or product segments that could generate strong export opportunities for Moldovan companies. Any such proposals shall be discussed and agreed upon with Invest Moldova Agency.

2. Conducting a thorough assessment of each selected buyer’s needs, interests, and business objectives to ensure alignment with Moldova's export sectors and the mission goals.
3. Initiating and maintaining communications with selected buyers prior to the mission, identifying their specific partnership expectations and tailoring matchmaking opportunities accordingly.
4. Assessing buyers' business profiles to confirm their compatibility with Moldovan companies, ensuring a high potential for successful collaboration and commercial partnerships.
5. Developing personalized matchmaking agendas and analyzing each buyer’s product focus and market strategy to ensure compatibility with Moldovan producers. For each Moldovan company, the Consultant must secure a minimum of 5 high-quality, pre-matched B2B meetings with selected foreign buyers whose interests and requirements match the company’s export offerings.
6. Arranging complete travel logistics, including international and local travel costs for foreign buyers, including booking round-trip international flights to Moldova and coordinating reliable local transportation options (e.g., buses, shuttles) to support all mission-related activities (e.g., transportation between hotels, meeting venues, site visits, and events).
7. Ensuring the availability of professional interpreters or facilitators, as needed, to support effective communications between international buyers and Moldovan companies, particularly during business meetings, site visits, and networking events, so that language barriers do not impede the mission's objectives. The Consultant will work in close collaboration with the Invest Moldova Agency and relevant stakeholders and will oversee the end-to-end planning and execution of the missions, ensuring that all activities are managed professionally. The Consultant’s services will conclude after the final business representatives have returned home and after the completion of the post-mission reporting and any additional support required by the Invest Moldova Agency. D. Reports / Deliverables During the implementation of the assignment, the Consultant will be expected to provide the following reports and deliverables:
8. A documented roadmap outlining the approach for identifying and engaging selected buyers, including tailored matchmaking objectives, pre-engagement steps, and expectations for both Moldovan companies and international buyers.
9. A comprehensive report detailing the selected international buyers, including their company profiles, product focus, market potential, and alignment with Moldova’s export sectors (agri-food products and furniture and wood processing products), as well as the rationale for their selection.
10. A confirmed list of scheduled matchmaking meetings between selected buyers and pre-screened Moldovan companies, including meeting agendas, objectives, and expected outcomes.
11. Briefing materials for both buyers and Moldovan companies, including company profiles, product specifications, and expectations for the meetings to ensure adequate preparation and alignment of interests.
12. A detailed report summarizing the results of the matchmaking meetings, including key outcomes, leads generated, business interests, follow-up actions, challenges encountered, and an overall assessment of the mission’s success.
13. A final list of confirmed travel bookings and a detailed mission itinerary, including flight confirmations, accommodation details, and local transportation arrangements for all international buyers, shared with Invest Moldova Agency and Moldovan participants at least 3 weeks prior to the mission.
14. Reports describing the missions performed shall be submitted by the Consultant within 2 weeks after the completion of each mission, including an assessment of the mission’s overall success and feedback gathered from participants.
15. A follow-up report after 3 and 6 months following the mission, respectively, documenting the progress of partnerships, negotiations, contracts, sales, challenges encountered, and recommendations for future engagement. These reports will be submitted to Invest Moldova Agency and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuous monitoring of the mission’s results and long-term impact. E. Timeline Both inbound missions are expected to take place between September and November 2026 for the core mission activities, with results monitoring conducted during the period January – July 2027. Each mission is expected to last 4–5 days. All travel and logistical arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, and event coordination, shall be planned in accordance with this timeframe. F. Reporting Arrangements The Consultant shall report to the Invest Moldova Agency and shall coordinate closely with the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) throughout the implementation of the assignment. All deliverables shall be submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the management of the Invest Moldova Agency. G. Qualification Requirements This assignment requires a consultant that should be a specialized firm, or a consortium of such firms, with demonstrated experience in B2Bs events, including recruiting international buyers, as well as managing logistics components of inbound business delegations, which includes international travel arrangements, local transportation within Moldova, hotel accommodation, coordination of the mission agenda, and on-the-ground operational support. The Consultant shall furnish documentary evidence (including descriptions of previously completed contracts and contact details of previous clients) demonstrating compliance with the following qualification requirements: ● Proven experience in carrying out similar assignments related to inbound business missions for international trade delegations, including coordination of B2B matchmaking and buyer engagement, with at least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the field. ● Demonstrated capability and proven experience in arranging complete travel and logistical services for international delegations, including booking international flights and coordinating local transportation for mission-related activities, with at least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the field. ● Demonstrated experience and competence in designing and implementing modern export promotion instruments and tools, including established relations and access to international networks of potential buyers (e.g., importers, wholesalers, retail chains, buying offices). ● Demonstrated strong capabilities in customer care and stakeholder communication, providing clear, timely, and responsive support to both international and Moldovan participants throughout similar assignments, including pre-arrival preparation, on-site mission delivery, and post-mission follow-up. ● Knowledge of the economic sectors of the Republic of Moldova and their export potential, supported by experience in SME development, export promotion, or trade facilitation initiatives. ● Previous successful experience in the implementation of donor-funded and/or international financial institution (IFI)-financed projects. H. Terms of Payment The Contract will be a lump-sum contract for small assignments, in accordance with World Bank standards. The tentative payment schedule is as follows: ✔ 10% of the Contract amount upon acceptance of the Inception Report, submitted within two (2) weeks after the Contract Effective Date. The Inception Report shall confirm or refine the methodology and work plan, including: (i) buyer identification and pre-qualification approach; (ii) local SMEs selection and preparation approach; (iii) matchmaking approach and quality criteria; (iv) mission implementation plan; and (v) a detailed timeline and milestones aligned with the deliverables under Section D. ✔ 20% of the Contract amount upon acceptance of Report No. 1 (Pre-qualification Package), submitted within six (6) weeks after the Contract effective date, in accordance with Section D points 2–4. This report shall include, at minimum: (i) the documented strategy/roadmap; (ii) the preliminary list of targeted international buyers with profiles and qualification evidence; (iii) the list of participating Moldovan SMEs per sector; and (iv) the preliminary matchmaking framework. ✔ 20% of the Contract amount upon acceptance of Report No. 2 (Matchmaking & Logistics Readiness Package), submitted within eight (8) weeks after the Contract Effective Date, in accordance with Section D, points 5–6. This report shall include, at minimum: (i) confirmed pre-matched B2B meeting schedules (agendas, objectives, and expected outcomes); (ii) Buyer Qualification Forms; (iii) a draft mission itinerary; and (iv) confirmed travel bookings and a logistics plan, where available at this stage. ✔ 20% of the Contract amount upon acceptance of Report No. 3 (implementation and results of the 1st inbound mission), submitted within fourteen (14) days after completion of Mission 1. The report shall include: (i) an implementation summary; (ii) B2B Meeting Outcome Sheets; (iii) site visits conducted; (iv) validated leads and agreed next steps; and (v) participant feedback. ✔ 20% of the Contract amount upon acceptance of Report No. 4 (implementation and results of the 2nd inbound mission), submitted within fourteen (14) days after completion of Mission 2. ✔ 10% of the Contract amount upon acceptance of the post-mission follow-up reports, linked to results monitoring at 3 and 6 months after-mission, submitted in accordance with Section D. This amount shall be distributed in equal tranches upon acceptance of each follow-up report (3-month and 6-month), reflecting progress on negotiations, contracts under discussion or concluded, volume of exports by local companies, lessons learned, etc.