Prime Minister Luca Niculescu said on Tuesday that economic recovery, increasing investments, preserving jobs and creating new ones are among the top priorities on the agenda of the Government he leads.

The Executive head participated in the launch event of the 3rd edition of the 'Barometer of Entrepreneurs Building Romania.'

'I want to assure you of the strong interest of Romania's Government in developing this type of partnership and supporting the economy. (...) The economy must grow, we see no alternative. (...) Ever since taking office, I organized meetings with representatives of the Romanian business sector, with those of the foreign business sector, with trade union representatives. It is important to see what they think, what the people's concerns are, of those who work, because the future cannot be built without people, and enterprises cannot operate without people, thus, it is important to know everyone's vision for building Romania,' Luca Niculescu said.

Regarding the figures presented in the study, he pointed out that, after reviewing them, he noticed some that could be better.

'The share of companies intending to invest in development has fallen from more than half in 2024 to just one third at present, we would prefer to be somewhat better and this is my task and that of the Government I lead, to restore entrepreneurs' confidence and the appetite for growth. (...) Economic recovery, intensifying investments are at the top of priorities on the agenda of the Government that I lead,' PM Niculescu said.

Preserving jobs and the creation of new ones must represent a common effort, supported by the business community, the Government and trade unions, the Prime Minister underscored.

'We have seen that most companies intend to maintain their personnel, which is a good news, but we have also seen that there are many companies anticipating layoffs than planning to hire. Thus, endorsing investments and economic activities directly means protecting families and jobs. We must not only protect them, but we must create new jobs, with the best possible pay, especially for young people. Because, we have to say it, we are the EU country with the highest share of young people up to 28 who do not have a job. And this is one of the priorities of the Government I lead and I will discuss, I have already started talks with the Labour Minister and the Finance Minister, and with other ministers in Romania's Government, precisely in order to address this issue. The question is not whether we discuss it or not, we have to do something,' he added.

At the same time, he conveyed that fiscal predictability and political stability are, in their turn, mandatory conditions for development.

'And now, after six months of political instability, we have a Government with full powers, that will work to restore confidence. And speaking of restoring confidence, I want to give you a good news: yesterday, Romania attracted 4.5 billion euros on international capital markets, it is the first eurobond issue since the new Government took office. I want to tell you that the investors' demand was twice the amount borrowed, thus, the interest for Romania was very high. In short, it is an important sign of confidence in Romania and in our ability to honor our commitments,' PM Niculescu also said.

He pointed out that the study shows that, as Romania approaches the 20th anniversary of its EU accession, entrepreneurs link Romania's development to the European direction of the country.

'This is an important thing, four out of five entrepreneurs call themselves pro-European, even in a difficult economic climate. And today, with our Gross Domestic Product having tripled, more than 1,200 kilometers of motorways, infrastructure undergoing development, the OECD accession process nearing completion, we have every reason to prepare for the next economic model which would have to fully capitalise on investment opportunities and capital inflows,' the Government head highlighted.

The prime minister conveyed that he supports the development of ties with the Republic of Moldova and Romanian investment in the neighbouring country.

'Last week, I meet exceptional Romanian investors, just as we also have companies from across the Pruth operating in Romania. This is a very solid path, which I will encourage. So, I believe we all need a new economic patriotism, built on pragmatic, European foundations, a genuine smart partnership for Romania's prosperity, in which Romanian entrepreneurs and foreign investors join forces and work together to develop Romania, of course, with the authorities' support,' PM Niculescu pointed out. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Rodica State)