National Export Strategy for 2010-2014

There's an emphasis on innovation, but also on the importance of product design, a fresh concept.

Other concepts promoted in the strategy are export clusters, i.e. exporters' associations, seen as a solution to international competition, than export incubators, and also regional promotion centres.

One other element taken into account is eco agriculture, since there is a big demand for this type of product abroad. The strategy"s purpose is to support export companies.

"It's not easy. These are hard times. The post-crisis competition is so strong it's like after an earthquake. Some recover faster, others slower. It is up to us to see whether we will succeed in rising to meet the level of our competition or not. I like to think that this strategy will be like a guide, maybe even a bible, for all businessmen. And, each Administration Council, each investor should consider the strategy whenever deciding either to become an exporter or to extend the export business," asserted general secretary of the National Association of Romanian Exporters and Importers (ANEIR) Mihai Ionescu.

Secretary of state in the Ministry of Economy Karoly Borbely mentioned that the export sector was one of the few to experience growth during this crisis period, recording a 24,8% growth in the first quarter, as opposed to the 2009 quarter. He also stated that the national export strategy is aimed at extending exports to countries such as China, Russia, Brasil or India and keeps the emphasis on efficient branches.

"One of this strategy's main objectives for the next year is to support the sectors that have brought very good results: car building, equipments, agriculture, IT products, and tourism. These are the strategic branches in the export strategy, but this does not mean that we do not support the rest of the sectors. It's just that these are the most important ones," said Karoly Borbely.

General secretary of the National Association of Romanian Exporters and Importers Mihai Ionescu estimates that if the exchange rate stability will continue in 2011, this could be the best year for Romanian exports.


Translated by: Ciocănel Tudor and Raluca Mizdrea
MA Students, MTTLC, Bucharest University