The third meeting of the Coordination Committee of the “Swiss PartnershIP Moldova” Project was held on May 27, 2026, in Chisinau. The meeting aimed to assess the progress made in the first part of the current year, examine the activities currently being implemented, and discuss the actions planned for the next period.

The project, funded by the Swiss Confederation through the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), represents an important pillar in supporting the development of the intellectual property system of the Republic of Moldova and in promoting its harmonization with European and international standards.

Opening the event, the Director of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), Iulian E. Iorga, expressed the institution’s gratitude for the continuous assistance provided through the project and highlighted its valuable contribution to the consolidation of the national intellectual property system.

“Switzerland is one of Moldova’s most reliable partners, and the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association states – including Switzerland – further strengthens our cooperation. Switzerland’s vast experience in the field of intellectual property administration, protection and exploitation is extremely valuable to us and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the years to come,” the Director of AGEPI noted.

The State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Dumitru Vleju, who participated in the event, emphasized the importance of the support provided by the Swiss Government to support the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova and appreciated the contribution of the project to the implementation of the commitments undertaken by our country in the context of the negotiations on Chapter 7 “Intellectual Property Law”.

During the discussions, the project partners presented the latest developments and results obtained through the “Swiss PartnershIP Moldova” project, reaffirming the joint commitment to continue supporting the development and consolidation of the intellectual property system in the Republic of Moldova. The role of the project in facilitating legislative harmonization and in promoting a competitive, innovative and transparent economic environment was also highlighted.

Main achievements assessed during the meeting

The members of the Coordination Committee reviewed the results obtained during the period January–May 2026, structured on the main intervention directions of the project. These include advancing the process of developing the normative framework in the field of geographical indications, supporting awareness-raising and information activities in the field of copyright and related rights, as well as organizing training sessions and thematic workshops dedicated to supporting local producers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Future prospects and directions

An action plan focused on continuity, efficiency and sustainability was presented for the coming period. Among the established priorities are the expansion of training and information programs for export-oriented companies, the development of new practical support tools for the business environment and the strengthening of cooperation between national institutions involved in the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

The representative of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland, Dominik Abry, expressed his appreciation for the progress made in the implementation of the project and reconfirmed SECO’s willingness to continue supporting AGEPI’s efforts to strengthen the intellectual property system. This commitment was also reiterated by the “Swiss PartnershIP Moldova” project team.

The participants positively assessed the project’s activity during the period under review and agreed to continue joint efforts to ensure the successful implementation of both ongoing activities and new initiatives under planning.