Economy minister explains defense industry investments

The Minister of Economy, Bogdan Ivan, was invited by USR to the "Government Hour" in the Senate to explain the Romanian defense industry. USR MPs asked the Minister of Economy to explain the investments in the defense industry, pointing out that Romanians need to know what the government's plans are for this strategic sector.

Remus Negoi, Senator USR: Do you know anything about drone production? The only ones we see in Romania's skies are Russian-made. Powder factory? Poor. NATO-compatible munitions? A major strategic failure. While Europe is arming itself, we are being left behind.

Economy Minister Bogdan Ivan has revealed that the Romanian-made drone prototype will be ready in the summer and production could start by the end of the year.

He assured that the Romanian defense industry will develop, because Romania has already built the European financial mechanisms.

On the other hand, Bogdan Ivan explained that the state authorities are in advanced negotiations with a potential investor to lease the labor force and facilities in the Damen Mangalia shipyard.

Bogdan Ivan: We are in advanced negotiations with a potential investor who will operate and automatically maintain the economic activity in order to pay salaries to people.

The Minister of Economy, Bogdan Ivan, also gave assurances that the supply of raw material has started at the Liberty Steel plant in Galati and the company has promised that the blast furnace number 5 in the former Sidex plant will be restarted in two, maximum three weeks.

Translated by: Radu Matei