American Chamber of Commerce in Romania

Bucharest, May 6, 2009: The American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (AmCham Romania) presented its advocacy priorities for the upcoming period, whithin a press conference attended by members of the new AmCham Romania Board of Directors.

Considering the investments made through the Romanian operations of AmCham Members, which created more than 150.000 jobs, Sorin Mîndruþescu, the AmCham President, called for the consultation and involvement of the business community in the decision-making affecting the economic and social environment: „AmCham Romania reiterates the importance of adopting sustainable, transparent and predictable measures, aimed at economic performance and not electoral cycles, as well as measures for increasing Romania’s competitiveness, for keeping and attracting direct investments, especially as our country’s economic attractiveness is decreasing. On this occassion I would like to express AmCham members’ availability to share with the authorities their expertise, accumulated both in the local, communitary, and international business environment.”

The main objectives set by the new Board of Directors are aligned with the priorities pursued by AmCham during the previous mandates, and mainly aim: regarding taxation, the change of the Fiscal Code, measures to support the business environment during the current economic downturn, as well as advocating for modern and efficient fiscal policies and strategies; regarging the labor market, flexible labor contracts, clearer and simpler procedures; regarding ITC, the implementation of e-government; regarding public health, an increased access to quality medical services, and additional financing of the healthcare system by introducing private health insurances; regarding energy, more rigorous rules for energy efficiency and preservation, both for the public and private sectors; regarding competition, harmonization of the Romanian legislation in the field with the EU regulations and the practice of other EU member states; increasing the absorption level of EU funds and promoting the legislation governing public-private-partnerships, thus sending a strong message to potential investors, especially as countries are nowadays competing for financial resources.

AmCham Romania will continue to actively militate for transparency and predictability, both fiscal and legislative, critical for ensuring an attractive invesment climate and Romania’s competitiveness in the region.
In its dialogue with the authorities, AmCham will also call for continuity in the implementation of reform measures, responsible and efficient use of resources, public policies adapted to the economic and social realities.

About AmCham Romania
The American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (AmCham Romania) is an apolitical, non-profit organization, founded in 1993. AmCham Romania now has more than 300 members – American, international and local businesses, representing investments above 10 billion USD, and more than 150.000 jobs created. AmCham Romania is affiliated to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a member of the European Council of the American Chambers of Commerce.

For more information please contact us:
Andreea Ologeanu, Communication Manager - Andreea.Ologeanu@amcham.ro; T: 021 312 48 34