Romanians in the diaspora represent an extraordinary resource for Romania's development and are a potential asset for the country, thanks to the experience and expertise they have gained in more competitive societies, President Nicusor Dan said on Wednesday in a video message addressed to participants at the opening of the 'Romanian Diaspora - Roots and Horizons' conference.

The event is organised by Iasi City Hall on 12-13 August and is part of the annual 'Diaspora Celebration - Iasi is HOME!' programme.

'Without a doubt, Romanians in the diaspora represent an extraordinary opportunity for Romania because they live in a more competitive environment than the one in Romania and, as a result, have acquired expertise in many areas. They live in societies that are several years ahead of Romania and can therefore anticipate what will happen in Romania, including from an economic perspective,' the President of Romania said in a video message.

In the head of state's view, 'Romanians in the diaspora represent potential for the country.'

'The fundamental question is how we can make use of this opportunity in the economic and entrepreneurial sphere. I am glad that you are discussing this at the conference in Iasi, but also in more cultural and administrative areas, including how the Romanian administration can meet you halfway, of course at the pace you are familiar with,' Nicusor Dan said.

The President also expressed his satisfaction that the conference in Iasi, as well as other such meetings, were enabling the local administration to establish new links.

'I am glad that we manage (...) that you manage at this conference to establish or continue links that allow your experience and energy to be put to use in Romania. I am fully open to this and, insofar as we can resolve concrete issues (...), you can count on us. I wish you every success,' President Nicusor Dan said in his message.

Around 200 people are taking part in the event organised by Iasi City Hall at the 'Vasile Pogor' Hall, in a hybrid format, both in person and online, including representatives of Romanian communities abroad, academics and researchers, entrepreneurs, representatives of public administration and civil society, as well as Romanian diaspora organisations.

According to the programme, debates and workshops are being held over two days on entrepreneurship, communication, education, traditional culture and the role of the media in relations between Romania and Romanian communities abroad.

On Wednesday, the first day of the conference, sessions are being held on connecting the diaspora with Romania through entrepreneurship, technology and investment, as well as communication between Romanians in the country and those who have moved abroad.

On the second day, Thursday, discussions will focus on educational strategies and traditional culture in the diaspora.

The programme will also include contributions from representatives of Romanian associations abroad.

Several cultural events will also take place as part of the activities dedicated to the diaspora. These include a folk performance by the 'Carpatica' Folklore Ensemble from Turin, as part of the fifth edition of 'Diaspora Day in Iasi.'

There will also be art exhibitions by Dragos Patrascu, Oana Poleacec and Andrei Pennazio, an exhibition of objects made by Romanian craftspeople, as well as the launch of a Romanian book or magazine from the diaspora. Andrei Pennazio's exhibition will be hosted at Roznovanu Palace. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniela Malache; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)