Key discussions focused on Romania's rapid economic development and its strategic advantages, including a favorable 16% corporate tax rate, robust infrastructure investments, and its role as a regional logistics hub. Participants explored investment opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, defense, energy, electric vehicles, and food production. During the event, Romania's strategic role as a gateway to Eastern Europe and the Black Sea was emphasized, especially in supporting Ukraine's reconstruction. The importance of Romania's NATO and EU memberships for political stability was highlighted, as well as its access to EU funding for green energy, IT, and security projects, reinforcing its appeal as a key investment destination.
The event featured remarks from Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania, who highlighted the country's economic potential for foreign investors and the opportunities it offers for the Romanian diaspora. Alderman Alastair King DL, Lord Mayor of the City of London, encouraged Romanian companies to engage with the London Stock Exchange and deepen financial ties, emphasizing the mutual benefits of stronger collaboration.
Other notable speakers included Radu Ștefan Oprea, Romania's Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism and prominent British business leaders such as Dinesh Dhamija, Chairman – Copper Beech Group, Catalin Breaban, Co-Founder, Aukera Energy and Alastair Hammond, CEO Rezolv Energy. Experts like Peter Latos (EY Romania) and Daniel Dumitrescu (InnovX), Andrew Seidler, Tax Partner, RSM UK, Paul Dudau, Public Affairs Director, Evryo also shared valuable insights. Host and Master of Ceremony was Bogdan Mihailescu, Head of Commercial and Economic Section at the Romanian Embassy in the United Kingdom. Dan Schwarz, Managing Partner, RSM Romania and Cristian Veteanu, Partner CESA & EY Romania, Energy Leader were the moderators of the discussions.
Energy and sustainability were pivotal topics of the event. Romania reaffirmed its ambition to achieve energy independence by 2030, its leadership in renewable energy, and its status as the EU's largest natural gas producer. Discussions highlighted significant developments, including offshore wind projects, efficient energy storage solutions, and the appeal of financial incentives such as grants covering up to 60% of Greenfield investments. Renewable energy sectors, including hydro, wind, and solar, were presented as key areas for green investments, positioning Romania as a top destination for sustainable energy projects.
During the event, a significant milestone was achieved with the signing of a double taxation agreement between Romania and the United Kingdom, aimed at enhancing Romania's appeal to British investors. The treaty was signed by Her Excellency Laura Popescu – Ambassador of Romania to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and His Majesty's Ambassador of Great Britain to Romania - Giles Portman.
Romania and Great Britain reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties, with Great Britain remaining one of the top three investors in Romania. As Romania positions itself as a gateway to Eastern Europe and a hub for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, the event underscored its strategic importance for British investors, particularly in energy, manufacturing, and green technology.
At the event, several British companies with operations in Romania, such as DS Smith, BAE Systems, Airbus, Vodafone, participated, showcasing their ongoing commitment to strengthening business ties between the two countries.
The event was supported by the British-Romanian Chamber of Commerce as Strategic Partner, BDR Associates as Strategic Communication Partner, and other partners including the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, InnovX, SeeNext, SeeNews, and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
