Discussions are advancing regarding economic recovery measures to be included in the government's planned "Package 3," aimed at boosting competitiveness, exports, and investment attraction, Minister of Investments and European Projects Dragos Pislaru told AGERPRES in an interview.
"I can confirm that discussions are becoming increasingly advanced on this economic recovery area. We are talking about measures to stimulate competitiveness, exports, attract investments, and we can implement these even using European funds that are still available - not all Cohesion funds have been launched yet. We still have resources available for these initiatives. I cannot share the details of the package now because it depends on a decision by the Coalition. Ultimately, the final form will be decided there. My involvement will focus mainly on activating these European funds for competitiveness on the one hand, and for social purposes, addressing the vulnerability of certain groups, on the other," the minister said.
Minister Pislaru emphasized that in the coming months a financial instrument could be launched, aimed particularly at SMEs, offering grants of up to 40 percent, though this will depend on Coalition decisions.
"What I can say is that we are preparing new-generation financial instruments, through which companies seeking to scale up their business or make new investments - especially SMEs - will no longer have to come to the ministry, participate in project calls, and compete with 300 companies for funds that only 50 can actually receive. We want to launch - and we currently plan to do so in the coming months, though again it depends on how the Coalition finalizes it - an opportunity for companies to go directly to banks or financial institutions to obtain instruments offering extremely low interest rates, government guarantees, and what is called capital rebate, meaning a reduction of the principal. Once they've completed their factory, production line, or whatever they needed, they could receive up to a 40 percent grant, without waiting for a call or a public official. It's an absolutely fantastic system that addresses the immediate financing needs of the private sector. And these initiatives are well advanced," he added.
The minister also noted the intention to particularly support companies operating in sectors where Romania relies heavily on imports.
"What we want to do with Package 3 is (...) to look at sectors where we currently have a current account deficit - see how we can invest in areas where Romania could produce goods that are now imported. Here, one focus is SMEs, and another measure we're considering is offering a package for investors who want to enter critical sectors for the economy, similar to the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which says, you come with half, we provide half, and we create investments together.' I don't know if we can give half ourselves, but even offering 20 percent as an investment stimulus package seems very welcome. But, I repeat, at this stage these are just ideas. Consider them personal ideas until you see them included in a package proposed by the Coalition," Dragos Pislaru further said.
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