Romania's government policy on foreign investment and the role of InvestRomania have been instrumental in attracting and facilitating foreign investments. The country has made significant progress in improving its investment climate and drawing investors from various sectors. The recent investments of importance, such as Draexlmaier Group's expansion in the automotive sector, Microsoft's new technology center, and Total Eren's investment in renewable energy, reflect the success of these policies and InvestRomania's efforts. As Romania continues to prioritize and streamline foreign investment initiatives, it can expect further economic growth and development, offering new opportunities for both local and international investors. Ultimately, the ongoing commitment to attracting foreign investment and improving the business environment will contribute to a more prosperous and globally competitive Romania, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress. By maintaining a proactive approach to attracting foreign investment and continually enhancing the investment climate, Romania can look forward to increased economic opportunities, job creation, and a stronger position within the global market.
Government Policy on Foreign Investment
Romania's government has implemented various policies aimed at creating a favorable climate for foreign investment. These policies focus on the following key areas:
- Investment Protection: Romania is party to numerous bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and free trade agreements (FTAs), providing protection and guarantees to foreign investors against expropriation, nationalization, and discrimination, and ensuring fair and equitable treatment.
- Investment Incentives: The government offers a range of incentives to attract foreign investment, including tax breaks, state aid schemes, and financial support for research and development (R&D) projects. These incentives target investments in priority sectors such as manufacturing, IT, automotive, and renewable energy.
- Liberalization and Simplification of Procedures: The Romanian government has made efforts to liberalize and streamline administrative procedures, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and enhance transparency. These efforts aim to improve the ease of doing business in the country and make Romania an attractive destination for foreign investors.
The Role of the Romanian Trade and Investment Agency (InvestRomania)
InvestRomania is the official government agency responsible for promoting and facilitating foreign investment in Romania. The agency plays a critical role in implementing government policies and strategies aimed at attracting foreign investment. Key functions of InvestRomania include:
- Providing information and support to potential investors: InvestRomania serves as a liaison between foreign investors and the Romanian government, offering relevant information about investment opportunities, incentives, and the overall investment climate.
- Facilitating investment procedures: InvestRomania assists investors in obtaining the necessary permits, licenses, and approvals required to set up a business in Romania. It also helps navigate the administrative processes and provides support throughout the investment lifecycle.
- Advocating for policy improvements: InvestRomania engages with stakeholders, including investors, government agencies, and business associations, to identify areas for improvement and advocate for policy reforms that enhance the investment climate.
Recent Investments of Importance
Romania has attracted substantial FDI in recent years, with several significant investments contributing to the country's economic growth. Some noteworthy investments include:
- Investments in the Automotive Sector: In 2021, German automotive supplier Draexlmaier Group announced plans to invest €200 million in a new production facility in the southern Romanian city of Pitesti, creating around 2,000 jobs.
- Investments in the Technology Sector: In 2020, the American tech giant Microsoft announced the establishment of a new technology center in Bucharest, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing.
- Investments in the Renewable Energy Sector: In 2021, the French energy company Total Eren announced plans to invest €267 million in the construction of a 200 MW solar power plant in southern Romania, contributing to the country's renewable energy goals.