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President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday that the so-called tax reform approved by the Social Democratic Party (PSD), major at rule, has generated uncertainties that could affect investor confidence. "There is a series of worries with the business community over the so-called tax reform imposed by the PSD. These are measures that have generated uncertainties that could affect the confidence of investors, which is also reflected in the economy of your county," Iohannis told a debate called "The Cities of Romania 100 years from the Greater Union. A smart future for Ploiesti," organized at the Oil and Gas University of Ploiesti, Prahova County.
He added that Prahova is a prosperous region, which is reflected in one of the highest Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in Romania, of 26.3 billion euros. Iohannis pointed out that Prahova County has attracted foreign direct investment of 2.1 billion euros, which ranks it third nationwide, adding that it is a notable result generating optimism. He said unemployment in Prahova is 3 percent, much below the national average.
"Here, in Prahova, you have all the preconditions for high standards of living. The city of Ploiesti is today one of the most dynamic industrial and logistic hubs in Romania, and that is what explains its ambition to become a smart city where all resources are used for increasing the quality of life of its citizens, a city similar to what we admire elsewhere in Europe and the rest of the world. (...) A smart city is an attractive place to live and work, a community that makes it easier for people to access modern and high-quality public services. The concept of smart city also means (...) a more active involvement of the citizens in local government and community life," the President said.
According to him, public administration becomes increasingly more efficient through dialogue and teamwork, in close partnership with citizens, economic players, universities and the civil society. "Communication and co-operation bring expertise that the administration cannot possess, no matter how modern and professional it may be, as well as a high degree of transparency and civic involvement," Iohannis said.
He pointed out that the local administrations should have a privileged relationship with the academe, research centres, and also work to attract valuable Romanian scientists who have left for other cities or other countries. "The city of Ploiesti has a lot of advantages: it is the traditional capital of the oil and gas industry, and of higher education in the same area. There is already human resources expertise and expertise in a highly competitive economic field, a guarantee for a strong local business environment and a great potential for development. Beyond the traditional energy sector, a local research centre such as the Oil and Gas University can become a gateway to development and innovation, including in the renewable energy sector. This is the vision I believe we need to celebrate the Centennial, building for the future. Let us bequeath to the future generations a generous legacy, on which, in their turn, they will be able to build the future of Romania," Iohannis concluded.
