SOCAR continues investments to expand the distribution network in Romania and relies on the Government program for the development of the transport infrastructure. Currently, the Azerbaijani company covers 11 counties, with 27 fuel distribution stations and over 360 employees. Regionally, Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Trans-Anatolian (TANAP) pipeline projects are the great bets of SOCAR, through which gas produced in Azerbaijan could reach Europe.

What are the main challenges you are facing as general manager of one of the most dynamic fuel distribution chains in Romania?

As in any area, the greatest challenge is related to the company’s positioning among the best in the market. This is the objective of any general manager. For this purpose, the company must invest in quality products and services in order to satisfy a larger number of customers. SOCAR has proven that tradition and quality are the two values that have turned this company into an important player in the regional energy market. I am delighted that we can do it in Romania as well.

Identifying new locations to expand the network is an important challenge. In this regard, we are confident that the Government program for the development of the infrastructure will be a determining factor in the expansion of our activity in the local market.

What are your objectives, as general manager, for the following period?

In the short run, very short I might say, SOCAR plans to increase investments in Romania. By May, we reached 27 filling stations throughout the country and we will continue opening new units. SOCAR has as target to increase the number of units, as a result of related increase in investment.

We also wish to diversify and guarantee our services, so that a larger number of Romanians comes in contact with the Azerbaijani traditions and values promoted by SOCAR in Romania. In the light of its experience in the energy area, passion for travel and cuisine tradition, culture and Azerbaijani tourism, SOCAR aims at strengthening the friendship of over 550 years between Azerbaijan and Romania.

What are the results of your activity that you are most satisfied with so far in Romania?

We managed to open, in only several years, 27 filling stations and we invested over EUR 50mln, managing to create over 360 jobs.

Currently, we have a significant coverage in Romania, being present in the following counties: Botoşani, Suceava, Neamţ, Iaşi, Bihor, Buzău, Bacău, Vrancea, Timiş, Ilfov and Cluj.

Besides these concrete results, I am very proud of managing to promote the Azerbaijani traditions in SOCAR filling stations and thus getting the Romanians closer to our culture. Besides the specific Azerbaijani products that we offer in our filling stations – coffee in sand or pomegranate juice – we have also participated in the organization of several economic and cultural events that led to tighter Azerbaijani-Romanian relations.