The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) offered advice on Wednesday to 100 firms in Moldova on the issue of energy efficiency.

The support program, which was founded in 2009, has received $1 million in funding from the government of Sweden and brought together 45 energy efficiency consulting companies to work with small and medium-sized businesses to improve their energy consumption.

Almost half of the participating businesses were in the agribusiness sector. Another ten percent were businesses involved in retail and trade, and the remainder were from a range of industries, including construction, tourism and pharmaceuticals.

Ingrid Tersman, the Swedish ambassador to Moldova, said the program is crucial for Moldova, adding that it will provide businesses with lower energy costs and increased energy security.