Victor Ponta demands checking of external economic advisers
Prime Minister Victor Ponta argues that economic advisor position accredited to the embassies and consulates should not be attributed as "reward to political friends."
Articol de Iulian Olescu, 18 Mai 2012, 08:14
Several members of the Government including the Prime Minister, insisted Wednesday on the need for foreign investment have rediscovered the importance of economic advisers from diplomatic missions in this regard.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta said that those positions should not be attributed as a reward to political friends and asked for a report to the Economy Minister on this topic.
The topic was approached at the meeting of economic advisers accredited to the embassies and consulates.
Government members, present at the meeting, pointed out the importance of the economic advisor accredited to the Romania’s embassies from abroad, both to attract foreign investors and to promote opportunities for the economy of our country.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta pointed out that these positions must not be a simple rewards for political friends.
"I am convinced that it can be done much more with a single condition, receiving the necessary information from the country and especially when you have and ask for support and information from the country to answer someone on the phone, mail, messages," said Victor Ponta.
The premier added that economic attachés there should not be mere ambassadors of Romanian economy abandoned to our embassies or consulates abroad and their work should be evaluated.
Economic attachés "will be evaluated on a regular basis"
Minister of Economy, Daniel Chiţoiu, noted that it has already taken a decision at the government level , in order to carry out such assessments.
The activity of economic advisers from abroad is even more important during this period are carried out a partial privatisation of major companies in the field of energy or transport-said Finance Minister , Florin Georgescu.
"You have an important role to play, through the possibility of very good investors attracting from the point of view of economic potential, because it will be sold packs of 10-15 per cent of energy sector companies, nuclear-electric route, Transgaz, Gaz and will be privatised CFR, Tarom, these sectors need a lot of money in order to keep up with the competition," said Daniel Chiţoiu.
Economy Minister added that the mission of economic advisors from abroad is to convince investors that Romania is a country that provides stability, transparency and predictability, and that offers a wealth of business opportunities.
Translated by Denisse-Meda Bucura
MTTLC, Bucharest University
