Overview
The manufacturing of textile, apparel, footwear, and leather goods could provide an opportunity for investment. With over 450 enterprises, the sector represents nearly 22 percent of the country’s total exports, 82 percent of which are exported to the EU countries. The sector employs more than 26,000 people, which represents 4 percent of Moldova’s labor force. Most of these jobs are located in rural areas. Over 82 percent of employees are women. Labor costs are lower than in the region and Moldova’s access to markets in CIS and the EU incentivizes locating production in Moldova. Production includes all types of knitted and women’s apparel, lingerie and nightwear, protective clothing, and carpets. Many companies produce apparel for famous European brands, with exports going to Italy, Germany, Belgium, and the UK.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Knitwear garments, woven apparel, carpets, footwear, handbags, leather goods and accessories.
Opportunities
Strengths include access to EU markets, low labor costs, a relatively well qualified labor force, proximity to the CIS markets, and a growing demand for textiles in the region.
Resources