A delay in Romania's European Union accession, should this be the case, would not have direct negative effects on certain companies or industries of the Romanian economy, but it would certainly erode the general welfare, perpetuate business environment hindrances and the improper management of resources by authorities.
Companies that have already invested in Romania say that a possible two-year delay is of no consequence. Representatives of foreign companies say their long-term business and investment plans do not take into account the date by which Romania is to join the European Union.
"Electrolux will conduct its business and investments as usual even if Romania is not admitted into the European Union, since Electrolux has invested in Romania for almost seven years and its investments have not depended so far on the highly debated EU integration," stated Ulrich Gartner, PR vice-president of the European arm of the Swedish home appliances producer. The Swedish company in 1997 acquired the majority stake in Romanian producer Samus Satu Mare.
Francois Oliver, general manager of Hiproma, the company operating the three Carrefour hypermarkets in Romania, is very confident in Romania's joining the EU in 2007. "At any rate, our expansion plans are not linked to Romania's integration in the EU," he stated.
Didier Senn, general manager of the Arad-based lingerie producer Rosko Textil, says that the company's business plan is in no way based on the accession date. "What is of more interest to us, as well as to the rest of large companies operating on the market, I think, is that the business environment should become as predictable as possible," Senn stated.
Rosko Textil ranks 17th in the top of the largest companies in terms of 2002 turnover. The company is a "greenfield" investment by the US consumer goods producer Sara Lee. The initial investment in the plant stood at 5.5 million dollars, with the unit employing 700 people.
Last year's turnover revolved around 150 million dollars, with the company's entire output being destined to exports.
"The main reason why we will continue to strengthen our position on the Romanian market is our satisfaction with the growth registered so far," the Rosko Textil official also stated.
georgiana.stavarache@zf.ro ; sorin.pislaru@zf.ro ;
ionut.bonoiu@zf.ro
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