{"id":685,"date":"2025-05-16T12:09:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T12:09:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.indianchamber.org\/?p=685"},"modified":"2025-05-28T12:44:20","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T12:44:20","slug":"india-romania-business-forum-2025-bridging-opportunities-building-partnerships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.indianchamber.org\/?p=685","title":{"rendered":"India-Romania Business Forum 2025: Bridging Opportunities, Building Partnerships"},"content":{"rendered":"

In today\u2019s rapidly evolving global economy, Romania has emerged as a key destination for foreign direct investment in Central and Eastern Europe. A member of the European Union since 2007 and a full Schengen member as of 2025, Romania ranks 8th in the EU by size and 6th by population <\/strong>\u2014 making it the largest market in South Eastern Europe. With access to the EU single market of nearly 500 million consumers and NATO membership since 2004, Romania offers both opportunity and stability<\/strong>. Strategically located at the crossroads of the EU, CIS countries, and the Middle East, Romania is a vital logistics hub, connected by three pan-European transport corridors and the Danube River. The Port of Constan\u021ba \u2014 the largest on the Black Sea \u2014 reduces shipping time for Asian goods by up to six days compared to Western ports.<\/p>\n

Rich in natural resources, Romania offers fertile agricultural land and reserves of petroleum, natural gas, coal, and minerals. Its business-friendly climate includes one of the EU\u2019s most competitive tax systems, state aid incentives, and industrial parks with tailored benefits. The skilled, multilingual workforce is cost-effective and known for innovation and adaptability. Romania is moving up the global value chain, attracting high-tech and innovation-led investments. With nearly $81 billion in EU funding expected by 2030 \u2014 including $31 billion from the \u201cNext Generation EU\u201d program<\/strong> \u2014 the country is well-positioned for digital transformation, green energy, and healthcare modernization.<\/p>\n

The India Romania relations<\/u> <\/strong>is grounded in mutual respect, historical goodwill, and shared values, has seen significant strides in recent years. The two nations established diplomatic ties over five decades ago, and since then, cooperation has gradually expanded across political, cultural, and economic arenas. Romania\u2019s position as a member of the European Union (EU)<\/strong> and its strategic geographic location\u2014bordering Ukraine, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria\u2014make it a natural gateway for Indian businesses looking to access European markets. Its robust infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, and forward-looking economic policies further enhance its appeal as a preferred investment destination for Indian enterprises.<\/p>\n

In 2024, bilateral trade between India and Romania<\/u> was estimated at nearly USD 3 billion<\/strong>, showing a consistent upward trend. Exports from India to Romania<\/u> include automobile components, pharmaceuticals, textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods<\/strong>, while exports from Romania to India<\/u> includes machinery, precision instruments, chemical products, and IT services<\/strong> to India. The trade volume, though growing, still holds enormous untapped potential. With both countries exploring new trade corridors and cooperation models, this business forum presents a timely opportunity to elevate commercial engagement to the next level.<\/p>\n

Romania\u2019s business ecosystem is particularly attractive to Indian companies, offering a wide range of opportunities in several high-growth sectors. The country\u2019s Information Technology (IT) sector stands out prominently, with Romania ranks among the top six EU countries<\/strong> in terms of the density of certified IT specialists per 1,000 inhabitants. <\/strong>The Romanian tech landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and fintech. Romania’s robust network of tech startups and research institutions has seen remarkable growth, with appreciation of this aspect reaching 45% in 2023. Indian IT companies can tap into this talent pool by establishing development centers, engaging in joint R&D, and partnering with Romanian startups to co-develop scalable digital solutions for global markets.<\/p>\n

Energy presents another key avenue for collaboration, with Romania undergoing a significant transition towards renewable sources in alignment with the EU\u2019s Green Deal and climate objectives. The country has set bold targets to expand its reliance on solar, wind, and nuclear energy. Currently, Romania\u2019s energy mix comprises approximately 8% nuclear, 12% renewables, 14% oil and oil products, 30% natural gas, and 36% coal and coal derivatives<\/strong>. With just 16 MW of installed energy storage capacity<\/strong>, the sector offers substantial scope for development. Indian companies specializing in clean energy, energy storage solutions, and green hydrogen can tap into a wide range of opportunities across project development, technology exchange, and infrastructure support. Moreover, Romania\u2019s eligibility for EU structural and recovery funds further enhances the viability of co-financed ventures with Indian partners.<\/p>\n

Romania\u2019s pharmaceutical and healthcare sector presents strong potential for Indian collaboration. With a growing healthcare infrastructure and full alignment with EU regulatory standards, the country offers an attractive market, especially for Indian companies in the generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) space. As one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in Central and Eastern Europe \u2014 second only to Poland \u2014 Romania also ranks among the top five European countries in terms of pharmacy density, with 6.1 pharmacies per 10,000 urban residents.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The health IT sector is expanding rapidly, with projected revenues of US$388.40 million in 2023<\/strong>, driven largely by digital fitness and well-being, which alone is expected to generate US$228.60 million<\/strong>. A dynamic talent pool, including entrepreneurs and startups, is actively developing innovative healthcare solutions. Significant opportunities exist for Indian firms to establish manufacturing facilities, engage in clinical research, and collaborate with Romanian institutions to introduce affordable and scalable healthcare models.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s rapidly advancing defence manufacturing sector aligns strategically with Romania\u2019s military modernization goals as a NATO member. Romania has consistently exceeded the NATO defence spending benchmark, allocating approximately \u20ac8.6 billion<\/strong> \u2014 or 2.3% of its GDP<\/strong> \u2014 in 2024, a notable increase from the previous year. From 2023 onward, Romania committed to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP for the next decade<\/strong>, with over 30% earmarked for procuring advanced military equipment and more than 2% dedicated to R&D and innovation<\/strong>. The country is actively encouraging transformation and technological upgrading of its defence industry by attracting foreign investment and expertise. This presents valuable opportunities for Indian defence PSUs and private companies to engage in joint development, technology transfer, and co-production of advanced defence systems \u2014 with potential access to wider NATO and EU procurement markets.<\/p>\n

Romania is rich in natural resources. It has significant mineral deposits (e.g.: petroleum, natural gas, salt, coal, etc.). In the Steel, Mining, and Petrochemical sectors<\/strong>, Romania\u2019s industrial legacy, abundant mineral reserves, and focus on sustainable resource management present an attractive destination for Indian investors. With India having deep expertise in these areas, there is a significant potential for collaboration on modern mining techniques, green steel production, and petrochemical diversification<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Recognizing these opportunities, the Indian Chamber of Commerce has expanded its international footprint by formally launching operations in Romania<\/strong>. The newly established ICC Romania Chapter<\/strong>, headquartered in Bucharest<\/strong>, is led by Mr. Dinu Gheorghe<\/strong>, Founder of Yoop and La Boheme Residences. The chapter\u2019s Board includes senior business leaders, economists, and communication specialists from both Romania and Moldova. ICC\u2019s presence in Romania and Moldova is part of its strategic vision to promote trade, investment, innovation, and cultural exchange<\/strong> between India and the Central & Eastern European region.<\/p>\n

The core objectives of ICC Romania are multifold. First, it aims to provide a robust business network<\/strong> that connects Indian companies with their Romanian counterparts, enabling meaningful collaborations across various sectors. Second, the chapter seeks to educate Indian investors<\/strong> about evolving market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and emerging opportunities in Romania and Moldova. Third, ICC Romania is committed to driving initiatives<\/strong> that promote bilateral trade, joint ventures, and technology exchange<\/strong> between the two nations. Lastly, it places a strong emphasis on cross-cultural understanding<\/strong>, which it sees as a cornerstone of sustainable business partnerships.<\/p>\n

As the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) marks its centenary year of pioneering service to Indian industry and the nation, it embarks on a new chapter of international collaboration through the upcoming India-Romania Business Forum<\/strong>. Scheduled from 10th to 12th April 2025 in Bucharest<\/strong>, this exclusive business delegation aims to unlock the immense trade and investment potential between India and Romania, setting the stage for robust bilateral cooperation.<\/p>\n

The delegation will include some of India’s most dynamic public sector undertakings (PSUs), leading corporates, and emerging startups<\/strong>, representing sectors such as:<\/p>\n