Mihai Rohan, President of CIROM – the Association of Cement Industry and Other Mineral Products – has been helping to drive the development of Romania’s cement sector since he began his career in construction-materials R&D in1968. After establishing cement group ROMCIM, he eventually became country director for the German Heidelberg group, which operates three cement factories in Romania. He has served as CIROM’s President since it was founded in 1991. He discusses projects and potential in his country’s cement industry.
European Times: What are CIROM’s main goals?
Mihai Rohan: CIROM aims to defend the cement-industry’s interests in discussions with authorities and represents Romania’s cement sector internationally. CIROM is a member of Cembureau, the European cement association, and I am a member of Cembureau’s board. CIROM is also affiliated with Romania’s Federation of Construction Materials, of which I am the President, and with the National Confederation of Industry, Agriculture, Construction and Services. Our members include cement manufacturers, engineering and design firms and producers of other building materials. We welcome new members.
European Times: What are CIROM’s current priorities?
Mihai Rohan: CIROM participates in the working groups of the ministries of economy and the environment and helps develop Romania’s industrial strategies, for example concerning mining, environmental protection, energy, waste and others. Our current priority is to reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 and beyond. This is particularly important for the cement industry. CIROM also closely follows infrastructure and construction developments in Romania to help our members remain competitive.
European Times: How is the Romanian cement industry performing?
Mihai Rohan: The Romanian cement market grew by 10.8% last year and produced around 8.15 million tonnes, which means a return to high 2010 levels. Both non-residential and residential construction drove this growth; infrastructure projects have not been major contributors since many projects are currently only on paper. Romania’s leaders need to focus more on infrastructure development. The country recently lost a major investment from an auto company because the necessary road access to the factory could not be completed in time. It is vital for Romania to improve its infrastructure to attract more investment.
European Times: What advantages does Romania’s cement industry offer investors?
Mihai Rohan: Romania has highly qualified and experienced workers in many sectors and the cement industry has already attracted investment from three large multinationals. Any company operating here can form strong partnerships with reliable local enterprises. Romania is a beautiful, welcoming land and a virgin market for investors.
