Bucharest, Business Guide “Growth Diplomacy: Destination Romania” presented

The new business guide "Growth Diplomacy: Destination Romania" was presented in Bucharest at the Residence of Italy.

Promoted by the Embassy with the contribution of all key stakeholders of the Italian economic system (ITA - Italian Trade Agency Office in Bucharest, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Romania, and Confindustria Romania), the publication forms part of the Growth Diplomacy strategy launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. The initiative aims to support the internationalisation and activities of Italian enterprises abroad.

The presentation took place during the visit to Bucharest of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, led by its President, Giulio Tremonti. The event was attended by a broad and qualified representation of the Italian business community, as well as Romanian institutions and economic stakeholders.

Designed as a practical and up-to-date tool, the Guide provides a wealth of information on Romania and an overview of business opportunities. Its aim is to support both companies already operating in the country and those considering entering the Romanian market, offering relevant insights to guide investment decisions.

The publication includes an updated analysis of bilateral economic and trade relations, as well as an in-depth look at the role played by Italian investments in Romania's industrial and infrastructure development. Italy is currently Romania's second-largest trading partner, both in terms of imports and exports, with bilateral trade amounting to around EUR 19 billion in 2024. In 2023, Italian investments accounted for 5.6% of Romania's total FDI, supported by the presence of over 50,000 companies with Italian capital participation.

Since the 1990s, this entrepreneurial presence has grown steadily, evolving from a focus on specific geographical areas and traditional sectors into a widespread and fully integrated presence in the Romanian economic fabric. From manufacturing to infrastructure, from energy - including renewable and nuclear - to agribusiness and financial services, Italian companies in Romania employ over 130,000 people. This is testament to a solid, dynamic and diversified economic partnership, which continues to foster the transfer of expertise and know-how, explores new sectors and technologies, promotes the growth of local management, and remains one of the most successful cases of Italian business internationalisation.

The Guide also includes four sectoral focus areas dedicated to those industries of greatest interest to potential investors: transport, infrastructure and sustainable construction, circular economy, energy, and agri-food transformation.

The publication is completed by concise information on the labour market, education system, banking sector, taxation, and corporate law.

As highlighted by the Italian Ambassador to Bucharest, Alfredo M. Durante Mangoni: 'Over the past 30 years, Italian companies have been a major driver of growth and development for Romania, building successful partnerships and promoting business models based on mutual respect and the sharing of expertise, know-how, and technology. This Guide is intended as an introduction to discovering Romania's business opportunities, offering companies practical tools to support the success of their initiatives'.

The Guide is available on the Embassy's website by clicking here.