The first digital agricultural library was launched in the Republic of Moldova. The platform is intended for all representatives of the agricultural sector: farmers, young people studying specialities in agriculture, academia and members of the diaspora, who are interested in developing a business in agriculture in the country. With the help of the virtual library, interested parties will have access to reliable sources of information on innovative technologies in this field – guides, manuals developed by some of the best specialists in the country and abroad, publications and other valuable agricultural topics. The information sources available on the platform will help people in the field to acquire new skills, aligned with the needs of the sector. Agrobiznes created the first digital agricultural library in Moldova in partnership with the USAID APM project, as part of the call of the national program “Startup Moldova – Digital IMPACT “of the Tekwill project, funded by USAID and Sweden.

“By informing ourselves correctly and constantly learning, we evolve in any field. This is especially necessary in the agricultural sector, where any mistake costs significant time and resources for the producer. The Agrobiznes Library is a platform accessible to all in which valuable sources will be integrated – guides and manuals developed by some of the best specialists in the country and abroad. Each user will be able to download the necessary information and find similar publications depending on the chosen topic “, mentioned Luminita Crivoi, Agrobiznes Development Director.

“Even though the digitalisation of the agricultural sector brings many benefits, and a number of actions and tools are already being implemented, there are still many barriers to exploiting its full potential. One of these is the lack of expertise. Starting from the premises meant to bring together technologies and efficient agriculture, the ICT sector aligns with the needs of the agricultural sector. Thus, this library is an information and education platform for those who practice agriculture. The TEKWILL project will continue to get involved and support the strategic sectors of the country, to create new jobs, strengthen expertise in the field, but also to open doors to other related fields “, said Ana Chirita, director of the TEKWILL project.

The platform is a solid technological base, and other ways of presenting information will soon be available. According to official statistics, over 850,000 Moldovans work in agriculture, the sector generating about 13% of the country’s GDP. That’s why Agrobiznes, USAID APM and Tekwill funded by USAID-Sweden, support the digitization of agriculture and free online communication, as well as the exchange of knowledge, as the most effective way to ensure widespread access to research, study, experiment and of economic and sectoral activity.

About Digital IMPACT

Startup Moldova’s national program “Digital IMPACT” provides research and identification of problems in strategic sectors of the national economy and aims to provide real IT solutions for their development, which could subsequently have a major impact on independent business. These are solutions for process automation, improving business tools, facilitating the use of e-commerce and sales tools, etc., to be managed by industry associations. The program is part of the TEKWILL Project, implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden. “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. In order to continue to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center has expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at a national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!”. The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of education, in line with the demand in the IT market.

The library can be found on this link: https://biblioteca.agrobiznes.md/

The light industry is increasingly oriented towards business digitalization and online commerce. Within the “Digital IMPACT” program, the Employers’ Association of Light Industry (APIUS), which includes a number of local companies in the field of light industry, benefited from support and assistance in developing a new version of the site www.dininima. md, but also the development of the DININIMA mobile application. As a result, customers will have access to all products of local brands, but also a direct link to the online stores of these brands. All in order for local producers to improve their business development tools and facilitate the use of e-commerce and sales tools. “Digital IMPACT” is part of the “Startup Moldova” National Program and is developed within the TEKWILL project, with the support of USAID and Sweden’s development partners.

Digital solutions for the light industry

With the support of the “Digital IMPACT” program, the new version of the site is to be made in accordance with the latest technological and design trends, to include complete information about all local brands under the DININIMA umbrella. The site will be accessible to both local and foreign consumers. And the mobile application will offer buyers the opportunity to be up to date with the latest collections, recommended products, but also permanent discounts and loyalty programs.

Marcela Lozovanu, executive director of APIUS: “Previously, the site was much too loaded and did not have a well-defined structure. We thought of simplifying it, so that it becomes a business card for all companies. In addition, last year we developed an e-commerce acceleration program and we want to integrate the actual brands, which have functional sites. Through the program, we aim to make local businesses as visible and accessible as possible. We will also implement an extension (www.dininima.com), which we will promote on the European market because there is increased interest from those countries. The IMPACT Digital program has helped us with expertise and financial support in the transition to digitalization, and we, together with our partners, will promote the light industry both in the country and abroad. ”

Under the Digital IMPACT program, businesses in traditional sectors benefit from digital solutions to develop their services and products. In partnership with representatives of the IT sector and experts in the field, the problems faced by the strategic areas of the national economy are analyzed and researched, and subsequently – transformation solutions are offered, which could have a major impact on business scaling.

Ana Chirita, TEKWILL project director: “Facilitating the transition to the digitalization of business continues to be one of the priorities that the Tekwill project supports, and innovations have shown that they have the capacity to transform companies, becoming more competitive in the market and more prepared to move at another level of development. Light industry is no exception, and the challenges of the pandemic have once again confirmed that technology is an absolute necessity for society as a whole. ”

The digitalization of business in the Republic of Moldova is also supported by external development partners.

Scott Hocklander, Head of the USAID Mission to Moldova: “The challenges we face demonstrate the value of digital tools to lead companies, enable digital education, secure revenue and jobs, and keep savings afloat while maintaining at the same time the physical distance. For this reason, USAID is working closely with several partners to develop digital and e-commerce solutions. Since 2005, we have helped Moldovan manufacturing companies to create new jobs, open new stores and access new markets. And now USAID is proud to highlight the DinInimă brands in relaunching the website and launching a new mobile application. This Digital IMPACT initiative, implemented by Tekwill with USAID support, will facilitate sales and continue to benefit Moldovan companies and the country as a result of the rapid growth of the digital economy.

Adam Amberg, Adviser, Head of Development Cooperation, Swedish Embassy in Moldova: “Sweden will continue to promote the digitization of the non-IT sectors and support e-commerce as an opportunity for businesses on their way to evolution. We will also contribute to the development of the IT sector, facilitating the access of all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, to the best practices and knowledge in the field. We want a society that progresses, competitive jobs, and we are convinced that digitalisation and innovation lead to increased transparency, prosperity and well-being.”

The Tekwill project – The revolution begins!

The Tekwill project is implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden. “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. Aiming to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!” The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country, by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of educational institutions, in line with the demand in the IT market.