Romania was a very different country when I came in 1990 to today. In fact, Romania has come not only a long way since 1990 but has come a further long way in the last twelve to eighteen months both in economic as well as political and social terms which I can attest to a foreign lawyer in a Romanian law firm.
The technocrat government imposed on the country following the resignation of the former PSD Prime minister has seen the Country enter a period of quiet economic expansionism although there have been problems on the way. The efforts of the various bodies dealing with corruption and organised crime are also bearing fruit. The perceived level of corruption is falling and it is becoming easier to do business. The downside is that Government officials sometimes delay making decisions so as not to be thought corrupt. The sight of former oligarchs on their way to prison and having sequestration orders made against them and their assets is encouraging the new breed of businessmen and women to take bold action to develop new businesses. It is not though without some problems which are easier to overcome than in the past.
Much has been written about the effects of IT businesses in Romania and there is no doubt that this field of activity has expanded exponentially and will continue to expand over the next few years. The centres of Bucharest and Cluj are now being mirrored in other University cities.
Despite the initial revulsion against the politicians after the Collective fire, the political climate seems to have settled somewhat although based around the two main political groupings. It is encouraging to see that a number of independent groups have appeared. One question this summer will be “Will the former president stand for parliament?”
The elections in November 2016 might produce a stable Government for a period of time to enable further steps towards a normal political atmosphere be evolve. Perceived wisdom is that the PSD will be returned as the largest party although the size of the majority cannot currently be visualised. The opposition is weak and fractured and perhaps the return of the PSD will give the extension of stability needed for the continued economic development. The only worry for the European Union and Western Governments is to how deep does the influence (and corruption) of the PSD go and will their re-election to power open the gates to further corruption and influence peddling.
Although the Romania state is still involved in many areas of economic life the governments and by extension the PSD’s influence is slowly being reduced. This means that the private sector is becoming more influential and it is easier to do business with a more level playing field.
Romania has over the last period returned to high growth and is now part of high growth Europe though it continues to suffer from a lack of investment trust. The framework is in place in the Romanian economy to allow further expansion over the next few years. Both private and public bodies are trying to encourage foreign investors to come to Romania as Romania still represents a good market to invest in.
The question also has to be asked as to whether the upheaval in Turkey will affect Romania as will Britain’s exit from the European Union.
As regards Turkey there is already large Turkish investments in real estate, financial services and industry in Romania from Turkey. This has taken place over the last twenty-five years despite the changes in Government in Ankara. There should be no real change provided the Bosporus is kept open and trade continues to flow into the Black Sea. The financial sector has a large number of Turkish investors as has the real estate sector. Provided the Turkish economy is not drastically affected by the recent event the Turkish investment should continue.
As to Brexit the United Kingdom will have to push hard for exports and take imports in exchange. This can only be good for Romanian industry and business people with an outward vision. The new government in London appears to be taking a pragmatic view as to what it can and cannot negotiate. We do not see a slowdown of Romanians wishing to go to the United Kingdom to study, set up businesses and live. This will be balanced by the returning Romanians who never intended to settle in the United Kingdom forever.
Based on all the above the future looks good for Romania provided there are no internal shocks. It is still a good place to do business and everyone should look at the possibilities in Romania. An examination of the true position will produce pleasant surprises which should encourage everyone to invest.
