Romania’s north-east is at a severe disadvantage compared to other regions of the country due to the lack of energy connections, which hinders the development of industrial parks, said Paul Butnariu, president of the Iasi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCII).

“Our frustration is evident because this is reflected in the investment attracted and the crisis in industrial parks. Economic development is closely linked to access to power lines, and because of this, Iasi has attracted only 2.8% of total foreign investment in the country, compared to 7-8% in western Romania or 6-7% in the centre of the country,” Butnariu explained at the conference “Digitalization and Energy Efficiency – Iasi 2024”, organised by Energynomics.

He added that north-eastern Romania has been “energy discriminated” for many years, lacking efficient connections with the rest of the national system. Moreover, energy projects announced 10-15 years ago have not materialised. Also, the rise in energy prices in recent years has had a “devastating impact” on the business environment in Iasi, causing the bankruptcy of three times as many companies as in other regions. However, companies in Iasi have managed to increase their turnover in a completely atypical context, despite the lack of access to energy, road or river infrastructure.

“Until the pandemic, Iasi was in the top ten counties in terms of GDP, and last year we managed to grow. Policy makers need to realise that dual education is a solution to solve the acute shortage of qualified personnel, although it is not the solution to all problems. [When we ask for investment in infrastructure] in Moldova, we are told that everything is too expensive, but Romania’s GDP has doubled in recent years. Where is this money?” Butnariu added.

This conference “Digitalization and Energy Efficiency – Iasi 2024” was organised by Energynomics with the support of the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Romania – CCIpR and of our partners: Datacor, Exim Banca Românească, Polytrade Global, Solar Turbines, UniCredit Bank, WALDEVAR .