On October 23, AmCham Romania returned to Galați for the Logistics Summit, which closed the first edition of Galați Business Week. Following the Health Delegation earlier that week, AmCham's participation continued with two panels focused on Galați's potential as a logistics hub and the opportunities linked to Ukraine's reconstruction.

The discussions brought together local authorities, representatives of transport and customs administrations, banks, and technology companies to address two closely connected questions: how can digitalization make Galați's logistics operations more efficient, and what is needed to turn the city's strategic position into investment and business opportunities?

Digital Transformation: Smart Ports, Smart Corridors

The first AmCham-supported panel, “Transform Through Technology: Digital Transformation of Multimodal Logistics – Smart Ports, Smart Corridors,” was moderated by Cerasela Baiculescu, Vice President of AmCham Romania and Country General Manager, IBM Romania & Moldova.

The panel welcomed: 

• Nicolae-Dan Tivilichi, Director General, Compania Națională Administrația Porturilor Dunării Maritime Galați (APDM)
• Adrian Georgescu, UiPath
• Alexandru Asăvoae, Deputy Director, Galați Regional Customs Directorate
• Cătălin Bogdan, Oracle

The panel looked at how digital infrastructure, automation, AI, and integrated data systems can help port authorities, customs, and logistics operators work more efficiently.

One of the main points of the discussion was that modernizing physical infrastructure is only part of the solution. Ports and transport corridors also need digital systems that allow institutions and operators to exchange information, coordinate activities, and make better operational decisions.

For Galați, this means shorter waiting times, more predictable transport operations, and better use of existing infrastructure — important conditions for attracting business and investment.

Seize the Opportunity: Turning Galați's Potential into Investment

The second AmCham-supported panel, “Seize the Opportunity,” was moderated by Vlad Boeriu, President of AmCham Romania, and shifted the conversation from digital connectivity to investment.

The panel brought together:

• Ionuț Pucheanu, Mayor of Galați
• Nicoleta Forfotă, Vice President, AmCham Romania | Corporate Banking Head, Citi Romania
• Cornel Scripcă, Senior Director, Moldova Region, Raiffeisen Bank Romania
• Bogdan Bică-Bănuță, Director, Căi Navigabile Galați

The discussion focused on what businesses and investors need to make projects happen: reliable logistics connections, access to financing, effective risk management, and cooperation between public authorities and the private sector.

A particular focus was Galați's potential role in Ukraine's reconstruction and how Romanian companies can prepare to participate in the opportunities this process will generate.

The panel concluded with broad agreement that Galați has both the strategic location and the economic potential. The challenge now is to create the conditions for investment decisions and concrete projects to move forward.

The two panels highlighted the close connection between infrastructure, technology, and investment. More efficient logistics operations can make the region more attractive to investors, while new investments can support the development of the infrastructure and services needed for future growth.

Through its participation in Galați Business Week, AmCham Romania continued its dialogue with local authorities and the business community, bringing the perspectives and expertise of member companies to discussions on regional development and economic opportunities.

We thank Galați City Hall, the organizers of Galați Business Week, our speakers, and all AmCham members who contributed to the discussions.