Iohannis: I'm urging Gov't to include European dimension in economic strategies, policies

President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday urged the Government to round up its economic policies with the European dimension in the current context. 

He hailed the Government having put up for public discussion a project for Romania's economic development. 

"The strong Romania we want to build entails capitalising on the competitive advantages we have, which is not just the economy, but also Romania's country opportunities in its geographical region and Europe. In this respect, I am urging the Government to round up its economic strategies and policies with the European dimensions required in the current context," Iohannis told a meeting at the Palace of Parliament for the release for public discussion of a strategic document called "Competitive Romania: a project for sustainable economic growth." 

He pointed out that Romania currently needs a new model for economic development. 

"We all know that all kinds of strategies have been developed in Romania, but many of them were left in the drawers, mainly at the government level; what I mean now is more than a list of economic measures, I mean measures that can sketch up a strategy, a model for development Romania is compelled to think of," said Iohannis. 

He added that on Monday agreement was reached over work on a post-EU accession country project for Romania. 

"In the area of economics, we need a sound, long-term vision that will generate lasting prosperity for Romanians. Let us not forget the painful lesson of the recent crisis namely that once gained, prosperity is easy to lose. That is why we need sustainable economic growth, for which we have to consolidate confidence in economic organisations and polices, so that what we build may last," said Iohannis. 

Iohannis added that he would like as many specialists - economists, academics, the civil society and political parties - as possible to participate in the Competitive Romania project ''to call a spade a spade, seek solutions and make decision makers and the political class responsible." 

"We are talking about Romania's main priorities. But how will we reach such priorities? What governmental measures, policies and decisions? These are the questions to which you have to actually and immediately answer," the President said. 

He mentioned transport infrastructure as utmost priority, saying that the development regions need to actually get connected and to easily open toward external markets. 

He said energy is a genuine source of competitive advantage in Romania's case, mentioning that the country can get a key role in regional security. He also said education is a fundamental pillar for Romania's development. 

"Strong Romania is a competitive Romania, a European Romania. I believe that the European potential can get out strengthened from the challenges currently facing it, and Romania can undertake an active and constructive part. But, all of us, member countries of the European Union, have to understand that we are better off together than separate. That is why the development of tomorrow's Romania has to be seen as a European strategy direction as well. It is important that we prepare ourselves the best we can to be able to capitalise on the deepening of European integration, including by joining the Eurozone," Iohannis concluded. AGERPRES