Mihai Mohaci, Underprefect of Brasov, discusses the region’s importance to Romania’s economy.
European Times: What are some recent projects in Brasov?
Mihai Mohaci: Brasov has a strategic location and we are improving our infrastructure to position the city as a business and trade hub. This year we will begin construction on a new highway between Brasov and Bucharest and we are also building highways to Sibiu and Moldavia region. We will also complete a new bypass around the city later this year. We are developing an intermodal logistics centre on a 15-hectare site to handle containers from Constanta harbour to be transported to Western Europe. We have under construction an airport project for which we are seeking investors and which will be a key factor for further development. Brasov will be a strong commercial crossroads and an example to the rest of the country.
European Times: In addition to transport infrastructure, what are some other sectors with growth potential?
Mihai Mohaci: Brasov has already developed a successful tourism industry with higher-quality services than in some western European countries. Brasov has around 100 hotels as well as a ski resort, agro-tourism services, bed-and-breakfast establishments and rental villas with a very high services quality. Brasov offers attractions for cultural, sports, religious, rural and eco tourism. We have many historic landmarks as well as protected natural areas and parks. Brasov’s agriculture sector is also thriving and has excellent prospects.
European Times: Where do you see most investment going in the future?
Mihai Mohaci: I anticipate more investment in rural areas around Brasov city, because most investment up to now has focused on our cities. Around 75% of the region’s population lives in urban areas, and many rural areas are virtually untouched. Fagaras, for example, would be an excellent location for a ski resort.
European Times: What are you doing to improve the business climate for investors?
Mihai Mohaci: The institution that I represent can supervise compliance with current legislation in order to implement various projects of investors. We can intervene if we hear that an investor has had bureaucratic problems here, but only according to the law. Brasov has attracted significant investment which created 3,000 new jobs last year alone. We have seen a lot of investment in training programmes by foreign companies here, which tells us that these companies are making a long-term commitment to Brasov. Over 3,450 new companies were established here in 2013, a growth of 5.26% over 2012. We have many foreign investors in Brasov, most of them are from Germany and they have invested more than 400 million euro. Brasov offers skilled labour at low costs and great potential in many areas.
