The American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (AmCham Romania) stands in solidarity with the people and Government of Romania in the fight against the COVID-2019 pandemic.

We salute the unremitting effort of the Romanian Government to limit through firm measures the risk of the virus spreading in Romania and we especially appreciate the prioritization of the strengthening of the capacity of the medical system to face the unprecedented pressure it is facing.

U.S. Ambassador Zuckerman is fully supportive of AmCham members’ efforts to assist the Romanian people. We are all on the same side – ordinary citizens, families, communities, authorities, medical professionals, law enforcement institutions – all of us.  Together, we will overcome this national and global pandemic and resultant economic impact, as we have survived other adversities in the past. 

This is an extremely difficult moment for Romania's economy. In addition to the unforeseen costs of government efforts to prevent and fight the virus there are also substantial costs to businesses and individuals.  This will have a significant impact on the budget. 

All economic sectors have found themselves unable to continue their normal business activities.  All are also suffering from a general economic downturn.  Many companies are now operating in the red, like the tourism and hospitality industry, regular merchants and service providers.  Many others have succeeded in quickly and effectively switching to a teleworking protocol with the help of technology. 

Yet despite these material adversities employers’ continued concern to protect their employees and their willingness to be part of the solution has been evident.  The corporate outpouring of support for those impacted and generous contributions to public and private efforts to purchase medical and protection equipment has been remarkable.

Public-private cooperation is more important, now than ever, and it must continue to return Romania to normal as soon as possible.   

Ionut Simion, the President of AmCham Romania summed it up perfectly when he stated that “In the absence of a sure perspective on the duration of this public and socio-economic crisis, there is no other way than that of union and cooperation.  We will continue to encourage the members of AmCham Romania to continue their dialogue and support for Government efforts to achieve a sustainable approach to the business environment while at the same time working to protect their employees, customers and the general public.” 

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