More than 50 international organisations and companies from eight European countries expressed interest in the opportunities presented by the 'Why Mures' delegation, which brought together local and county authorities, the business community and academia at EXPO REAL Munich, one of the continent's leading trade fairs dedicated to investment, real estate development and infrastructure.

'Over the three days of the event, the 'Why Mures' representatives held more than 50 meetings and discussions at the stand, establishing contacts with representatives of 54 companies and institutions from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and other countries. The discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation and investment in areas including real estate development, logistics, industrial parks, data centres, the hotel industry, construction, architecture, engineering, legal services and project financing. Participation provided an opportunity to directly present the county's development opportunities, identify potential partners and initiate dialogues that can be pursued in the period ahead,' the Targu Mures City Hall said in a press release on Thursday.

The presence at the international event, which brought together more than 42,000 participants from 74 countries and 1,777 exhibitors from 37 countries, marked a first in terms of institutional cooperation to attract investment, according to the source.

'For the first time, local and county authorities, the business community and academia joined forces to present Mures County as a competitive destination for investment and economic development. The initiative was launched by the Advisory Council for Business and Education, established at the level of the Targu Mures Municipality,' the press release says.

The 'Why Mures' team brought together five strategic partners: the Mures County Council, Targu Mures City Hall, the Romanian Business Leaders Foundation, the 'George Emil Palade' University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, and 'Visit Mures' Association. The delegation exhibited at the Romanian stand organised by the Romanian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Romania).

In addition to its economic component, the initiative also included the promotion of local identity, with Mures County producers participating as partners.

'Local products complemented the county's economic presentation, giving visitors an opportunity to discover some of the Mures traditions, authenticity and diversity. The involvement of local producers proved that promoting a region also means showcasing its people, entrepreneurial initiatives and products that define its identity,' the Internal and International Relations Department of the Targu Mures City Hall said.

Municipal representatives stressed that the presence in Munich marks the beginning of a long-term initiative based on the county's resources, expertise and significant development potential.

'Participation in EXPO REAL Munich represents a first step towards building a joint and coherent approach to promoting the county to international investors. (...) To attract investment, it is essential for the county to be present in international business circles, make its opportunities known and build relationships of trust with potential partners. EXPO REAL 2026 has ended, but the dialogue continues. Why Mures aims to turn the contacts established in Munich into real opportunities for the county's development,' the statement also says. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Dorina Matis; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)