Romania's North-East promotes strategic location and €1.75bn EU investment package, Sebastian Hrib скачать в хорошем качестве

Romania's North-East promotes strategic location and €1.75bn EU investment package, Sebastian Hrib

Romania's North-East region is positioning itself as an emerging investment destination, backed by major EU funding, expanding industrial capacity and proximity to fast-developing markets. Speaking to Courtney Fingar, editor of REAL FDI, Sebastian Hrib, head of the Brussels Office at the North-East Regional Development Agency of Romania, said the area combines untapped potential with accelerating modernisation. The region covers around 37,000 square kilometres – larger than Belgium – and is home to 3.3 million people. It benefits from a €1.75 billion EU investment package running through 2027. Iași, the region's largest city, acts as a research and innovation hub supported by universities, R&D centres and one of Romania's busiest airports. The wider area has industrial heritage, an expanding agro-food sector and a developing technology ecosystem. Priority sectors, based on the region's smart specialisation strategy, include IT&C, health, energy and environment, textiles, tourism and agrifood. When asked what is drawing foreign interest, Hrib pointed to strategic positioning. "We are in a window of opportunity that opens only once in a couple of decades due to geopolitical status," he said. "We sit right next to Ukraine and Moldova. Ukraine, we already know, will need reconstruction. And Moldova is an EU candidate state, a future part of the EU single market." The region offers multiple entry points for investors, supported by 4.5% unemployment, nine industrial parks with expansion capacity, and state aid intensity of 50–60% of investment value. "Add to that political stability, the next elections are in four years, and a high number of people who speak English and make doing business easier," he said. Priority locations include industrial parks near Iași, Bacău, and Suceava, which are positioned to become technology and logistics hubs. Dedicated EU funding is available for infrastructure, digitalisation and innovation. Hrib acknowledged the region faces lower GDP per capita, labour productivity needs and infrastructure gaps. However, he stressed that foreign direct investment can help close the gap. "To do that, we need to become more competitive, to create more value and to bring in industries that generate high added value and naturally high wages," he said. A key strength is the local talent pipeline. "We are the largest academic hub in Eastern Romania, with more than 60,000 students every year. And that is a powerful engine for any investor looking for long-term growth." International companies, including Amazon and Continental, are already active in the region, alongside Romanian groups such as Antibiotice and Autonom. The North-East Regional Development Agency works with local authorities and financial institutions to support incoming investors. "The most important message today is we are reliable, open and fast to respond," Hrib said. "As an investor or consultant, you will always find an answer, a partner and a solution with us." Investors can contact the agency via LinkedIn or through its website aderenordest.ro. www.realfdi.com www.realassetmedia.com