The European Business Women's Association (PEFA) has announced the launch of the national project Business Outlook 2026, by organising in Sibiu, on April 21, the first conference in a series of regional dialogues aimed at connecting local entrepreneurial ecosystems and providing a realistic, data-driven, and dialogue-based picture of the evolution of the Romanian economy.

According to a press release from the employers' organisation sent to AGERPRES on Friday, the theme of the conference is 'Innovation, Industry and Competitiveness' and reflects the key strategic directions for strengthening Romania's business environment, in a context marked by accelerated economic transformations, digitalisation and macroeconomic pressures.

The event will also mark the presentation of data from the 2026 Women's Entrepreneurship and Leadership Index, the first tool for systematically measuring women's participation in the Romanian economy, as well as an important benchmark for shaping public policies and development strategies.

'Business Outlook 2026 is more than a series of events - it is a strategic platform for dialogue and action. We aim to bring together relevant voices from each region and, based on data and local realities, to build clear directions for Romania's sustainable economic development. Sibiu is an example of best practice in terms of collaboration between the public and private sectors, which is why we chose this city for the project's launch,' PEFA head Andreea Negru said in the press release.

The structure of the Sibiu conference includes two main panels dedicated to women's entrepreneurship and to dialogue between entrepreneurs and local authorities, followed by networking sessions and exchanges of best practice.

'Through Business Outlook 2026, we aim to create an authentic framework for dialogue between entrepreneurs, authorities and institutional partners. Analysing real barriers and opportunities in the economy, as well as presenting the results of the Women's Entrepreneurship and Leadership Index, are concrete steps towards a more inclusive and competitive economy,' PEFA First Vice-President Lorena Stoian emphasised in the said press release.

The debate agenda includes, among others: Adrian Dan Pop - Secretary of State with the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT); Eduard Bachide - Secretary of State with the Ministry of National Defence; Emilian Chirea - Brigadier General and Deputy Chief of Staff for Support at the Multinational Corps South-East Command; Anca Iordache - Regional Retail Director at BCR; Alin Grigore - head of the General Directorate for Tourism within MEAT; and Dumitru Todosiuc - Colonel and Commandant of the Sibiu Land Forces Academy.

The Business Outlook 2026 project will continue in several regions of the country, contributing to the consolidation of a coherent vision for economic development and to strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors.

The National News Agency AGERPRES is one of the media partners of the event. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Badea; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)