Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu's participation in the annual forum of the presidents of the Foreign Investors Council (FIC)

PRESS RELEASE
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, in dialogue with foreign investors: Whoever produces in Romania, employs people in Romania, pays taxes in Romania is a Romanian company

Economic and fiscal stability, the digital transformation of the Romanian state alongside restructuring, and capitalizing on European funds to support sectors that bring economic added value were the main topics of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu's discussion with the FIC representatives.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu attended the annual forum of the presidents of the Foreign Investors Council (FIC), held today at the Victoria Palace.
Whoever produces in Romania, employs people in Romania, pays taxes in Romania is a Romanian company. Our common interest is for Romanian companies to prosper and for this prosperity to reach as many Romanians as possible. The right way to build together is a solid basis for dialogue, stated Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
In the dialogue with the 60 presidents of FIC member companies, the prime minister pointed out that no changes in tax legislation are envisaged this year. We are not considering the introduction of new taxes or duties, nor the elimination of other exceptions. However, we are pursuing with great attention the further reduction of the budget deficit, the maintenance of a stable country rating, and the increase of budget revenues through the digitalization of ANAF [the National Tax Administration Agency] and the implementation of measures to combat tax evasion, the Head of the Executive added.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that making the best use of European funds and funding under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan are the main resources for supporting investment projects in infrastructure, digitalization, and energy, with emphasis on encouraging the production of energy from renewable sources, but also other sectors of activity. At the same time, the agricultural sector and the construction sector are considered by the Government as priorities, being supported by government programs aimed at encouraging production and processing. We ended the 2014-2020 financial year with an absorption rate of over 93 percent. It was an effort of the government team that translated into the financing of many projects awaited by people. We still have the determination and we will keep this pace. We have already set a benchmark for public investment of at least 7 percent of GDP, which should represent an average for the next years, stated Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.
Another topic discussed at the meeting with foreign investors was the provision of workforce. In this context, the Prime Minister showed that the Government supports the expansion of dual education, both through adequate funding and adapted legislation. Specifically, Romania has a total funding of one billion euros under the PNRR, European funds, and the budget, money available for the next 4-5 years. The Government has also extended the list of eligible specializations and amended the Law on pre-university education so that a dual high school student has the opportunity to continue his or her training in higher education in the dual system, on a complete path: high school, university, masters, doctorate.
The FIC representatives also appreciated the consistent dialogue between the prime minister and the members of the Cabinet, an important element for building a relationship based on trust. Investors confidence is based on dialogue, stability, and predictability regarding everything that means adapting legislation. Through direct and open consultations, we can contribute to major development projects in the country, stated Daniel Anghel, president of the Foreign Investors Council.
Ramona Jurubita, vice-president of FIC, also mentioned that the level of public investment is an encouraging sign for companies present in Romania.
The annual forum of the presidents of the Foreign Investors Council was attended by Prime Minister Ciolacu, Vice Prime Minister Marian Neacsu, the Minister of Economy Radu Oprea, the Minister of Investments and European Projects Adrian Caciu, the Head of the Prime Ministers Chancellery Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu.

Source: Gov