Romania’s economic growth will remain high in 2023, above 2%, compared to countries in the region and the European Union, although we are going through difficult times, President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday, Agerpres reported.

The message of the President of Romania was presented by Cosmin Marinescu, adviser to the President – Department of Economic and Social Policy.

“We are going through difficult times, deeply marked by uncertainty due to the crises of recent years. At the same time, the war on our borders, as well as other recent military conflicts, have a profound effect on the need for security and predictability for the economies of all countries.

Global economic growth has slowed this year, with a more pronounced pace in advanced economies. Now, in the context of tragic events in the Middle East and against the background of growing tensions, polarization and extremism, economic prospects are deteriorating even more, including in the European space.

Compared to the countries of the region and the European Union, Romania’s economic growth will remain high in 2023 at the level of more than 2%. This dynamic is largely due to the ability to adapt the business environment to the main difficulties during the pandemic, with the energy crisis, blockages in supply chains and rising prices for raw materials,” the president said in his message.

The head of state emphasized that the post-pandemic period brought multiple changes to business operations and in most sectors of the economy, but top companies consolidated their turnover and profits “despite all these challenges.”

“A third of the most efficient companies are industrial, followed by service companies. Services remain the main driver of economic growth, the turnover of which increased by 7.5% compared to 2022. However, in industry, output continued to fall, with the industrial decline exceeding 5% in the first eight months of the year amid a decline in domestic demand as well as industrial activity in European economies,” Klaus Iohannis said in a statement.

According to the cited source, in terms of external exchanges, Romania continues to record problematic trade deficits, such as in the chemical industry, although the trade balance deficit has been steadily narrowing amid a slowdown in consumption.

“Last year, for example, Romania imported chemical products worth more than 18 billion euros, exports amounted to only 4.5 billion euros, the deficit of trade in these products exceeded the level of 2021 by 26%. Hence the need for proactive approaches to prospects. for the development of national industry,” President Yohannis also conveyed.

On the other hand, the head of state showed that investments in innovation and the integration of technological progress cannot be neglected, as these investments offer Romania the prerequisites for a balanced transition to the economy of the future, as well as a solid basis for strengthening business competitiveness.

“Romania needs a consistent fiscal policy capable of maintaining economic performance, financial stability and continuing to attract productive foreign investment. Only in this way will we be able to fully capitalize on the economic potential of our country,” Yohannis said.

He noted that he understands the concerns of the business environment regarding the recently adopted package of fiscal measures and assured that where changes or additions are necessary, “they will not be delayed.”

“I understand your concern about the recently adopted package of fiscal measures. I also know the sensitivities and benefits these measures bring, given that the need to consolidate public finances is real, deep and structural.

At the same time, I am convinced that where there are changes or additions to the measures, they will not be delayed. Economic growth, investment attractiveness and efficient functioning of markets should remain important priorities for Romania,” the president’s message reads.

In his opinion, in recent years Romania has rethought its external identity thanks to the strong growth of its regional and European profile, and the internationalization of Romanian business and the results obtained in certain markets are indicators of the competitiveness of our economic environment.

“I believe that you will continue to be engaged and open to dialogue with political decision-makers. Only thanks to such a partnership, Romania will develop stably,” he added.

Ioannis also said that in the following years, the economic indicators are based, in a decisive way, on the contribution of a high level of absorption of European funds, and most of the project tenders were planned for 2023-2024.

“Unfortunately, we are facing some delays in using these funds. The implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan is facing some challenges and operational programs are also experiencing delays.

Therefore, efforts should be strengthened to accelerate procedures, obtain and use funding. I call on the authorities to focus as a priority on facilitating access to European funds,” said Iohannis.

Last but not least, the head of state noted that “regardless of the context or situation”, the best solutions always come from “cooperation and partnership”.

“You, the representatives of the business environment, can contribute to the identification and reduction of specific bureaucratic barriers. I remain a supporter of dialogue between the state and the business environment as a tool for effective management.

Regardless of the context or situation, experience shows that the best solutions always come from collaboration and partnership. I once again congratulate the business indicators, which are also reflected in this year’s edition of the National Top Companies,” the president emphasized.

In his message, the head of state congratulated the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania for the consistency with which it promotes “business excellence and outstanding results in our economy” through the National Top Companies.

He also congratulated the Romanian business community for the “obtained results and proven sustainability”, especially since they were obtained “in a difficult economic context, unpredictable both at the regional and global level”.

On Thursday evening, the “National Top Companies 2023” gala will be held at the “Romexpo” exhibition center.

According to data published on Thursday by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR).

The National Top Companies 2023 represents companies with the best indicators in seven areas of activity: industry, services, trade, tourism, research and development and high technology, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and construction. (Agerpress)