FIC - Presidents of multinationals on Romania's accession to the European Union on January 1st, 2007

"The FIC has been in the last 5 years an active advocate of the adhesion of Romania into the EU. We are then delighted by the decision of the European Parliament. The integration in the EU is nevertheless not an achievement; it is a start and the FIC will continue its efforts toward a business environment in line with the best practice in Europe."
(Patrick Gelin - President Directeur General, BRD - Groupe Societe Generale and President of FIC)
"Joining the EU is proof that dedicated persons can change Romania. I applaud all those who took an active part. But we are not done. The challenge remains to make things even better. In the process, let us all become men of value. Today is a time of celebration. But tomorrow, we must repair the justice system and implement the widespread Rule of Law."
(Gilbert Wood, Managing Director - Hall, Dickler Romania and Vice-President of FIC)
"Romania's accession to the EU is a success of all Romanians and it is due to the extraordinary efforts made during the last years. The accession process contributed to the establishment of a stable legislative framework, intensively expected during the transition period, which will provide the local companies with the necessary instruments to compete within the common market. The development of rural areas through structural funds and Romania's harmonization with the Member States' health insurance system will represent a great step forward for the pharmaceutical industry and Romania's population in terms of health services."
(Dragos Dinu - CEO A&D Pharma and FIC Board Member)
"We are all aware that there is a cost associated to Romania's accession, but the benefits for the country and for its people will be seen in time. We have to be patient, because the post-accession period is just starting."
(Veronica Savanciuc - CEO, Lowe & Partners and FIC Board Member)
"The entry of Romania into the EU will significantly accelerate the economic development of the country, and lead to greater prosperity for the whole population."
(Richard Moat - CEO, Orange and FIC Board Member)
"January 1, 2007 is both "a landmark date" and "just another date" in the process of Romania's integration into the large European family. Landmark, because it signifies one of the most important moments in Romania's history. Just another date when it is seen in the context of the long and arduous process leading to full integration. This significant process started some 15 years ago and will last for another similar period from now on. It is critical that efforts must be better focused and intensified to fully benefit from the association with Europe."
(Sofronis Strinopoulos - CEO and General Manager Piraeus Bank and FIC Board Member)
"This is a very exciting event for Romania and I believe this guarantees future positive developments for the country. I agree with the view that this is only the beginning of the road and not the end. Everybody now needs to work together to successfully integrate the Romanian economy and infrastructure with the rest of Europe."
(Dieter Schulze - President Ursus Breweries and FIC Board Member)
"The fact that Romania will join the EU as of January 1, 2007 officially acknowledges all ambitions and initiatives that have constantly been put into the development of the country by individuals, institutions and the business community for the last years. This decision, however, does not mean the end of the journey since a lot of work lies ahead of us and all Romanians and foreigners involved need to pull the same strings in order to achieve the common objectives."
(Friedrich W. Niemann - General Manager, Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest)
"A historical moment for Romania and Bulgaria, and both countries made efforts that have been rewarded. For the past 10 years Danone has acted forcefully in both countries to develop the market of dairy products and improve our consumer's quality, choice and trust for daily health and nutrition. We will face new competitors and develop new opportunities to reach our neighbouring markets for the benefit of the Romanian economy and Romanian citizens."
(Jacques Ponty - SEE General Manager, Danone Romania)
"I am glad that Romania will join EU in 2007. Now is the time to continue the efforts to improve the juridical system and the fight against corruption and to demonstrate that those are done not only for the sake of EU, but also to have a healthier Romania for the Romanians."
(Razvan Batrinu - General Manager, Ductil Air Liquide Romania)
"The enlarged market, of almost 500 million consumers, means new opportunities and higher competition which gives us just more motivation and energy to work harder and better to deliver our consumers the best offer."
(Peter Mueller - General Manager, Kraft Foods Romania)
"We are very positive on the upcoming EU entry of Romania, as this will no doubt be a strong accelerator for full implementation of the key points of the FIC's White Book. EU entry is a big threshold to get over and will trigger a well-defined direction for all of Romania's administrations, based on the extensive EU directives and standards, the interpretation thereof and jurisprudence. The FIC members are eager to contribute as much and as fast as they can to bring Romania further up the comparison scale of EU countries in all areas where the FIC may bring a positive influence, thus making the potential "sauvegarde" measures a subject of the past."
(Paul Nuber - General Manager, Nestle Romania)
"Our Romanian partners deserve this recognition. I hope that Romania's upcoming EU accession will convince ever more foreign and local investors about the country's huge potential. Saint-Gobain bet on it, and we are glad we did so."
(Olivier Lluansi - General Manager Saint-Gobain Glass Romania)
"The news cannot but be taken with great joy. However it is interesting to notice how many other countries did not leverage the opportunity since they entered. The distance between becoming a member and being a fully recognizable one obliges us to focus on all the tasks that need to be done and all the goals that need to be achieved. More importantly, the reform of the supreme court - without which I can hardly see a relaxing future - is still far from being done."
(Paolo Bassetti - Executive Vice-President, TenarisSilcotub)

The Foreign Investors Council welcomes the vote by the European Parliament regarding Romania's accession to the EU on January 1, 2007

The Foreign Investors Council (FIC) welcomes the approval by the European Parliament of Romania's accession to the EU on January 1, 2007. The FIC considers that this is a recognition of the progress made by the country but also a strong incentive for the Government to continue the pace of reform and improve the business climate, including in areas identified by the foreign investors such as: labor market flexibility, the Rule of Law, the tax regime, banking, corporate governance and capital markets, environment and combating corruption.

The FIC will continue to support Romania in its efforts to improve the business environment. Through the release of its fifth edition of the White Book in April 2006, the FIC submitted an overview of the current investment climate and a set of recommendations to the government of Romania (GOR).

FIC members are in a position to facilitate effective implementation of the post-accession requirements by making available to the GOR their experience of similar processes in other countries.

As regards the preparedness of the country to cope with the competitive pressure and market forces within the EU, the FIC is not in the position to formulate an opinion on the readiness of Romanian companies. However, the production facilities of multinationals in Romania already compete at the EU quality and productivity standards. By sharing their experience, the FIC members' companies are ready to support the Romanian companies in their effort to restructure, to improve efficiency, to innovate and to adapt new standards.

The progressive incorporation of the Acquis Communautaire into Romanian law provides a more recognisable environment to foreign investors, while increasing levels of EU financial support have a positive impact on the economy and its infrastructure.

The FIC believes that the adoption of the measures proposed by its organization will enable further improvements in Romania's business and investment environments. This will contribute to attracting FDI and help Romania to successfully and smoothly adapt to the requirements of an EU member state.