Romania's automotive industry is a strategic sector that contributes around 13-14% of gross domestic product (GDP) and generates one-third of the country's exports, Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Minister Daniel Zamfir said on Thursday at an event dedicated to sustainable and affordable mobility.

'I am pleased to discuss the automotive industry, one of my hobbies (...) From the outset, I want to make one thing clear: as economy minister, I have an obligation, and I believe no one doubts this, to defend Romania's automotive industry. With this in mind, I would like to refer to the Rabla car scrappage scheme. Indeed, a question has been raised in this regard: are we using public money to subsidise Romanian industry, European industry or industries in other European countries? This is not just about the Rabla scheme. Discussions within the government have also concerned other programmes run through the Environment Ministry, such as the Casa Verde programme, for example, which subsidised solar panels, none of which, of course, were manufactured in Romania. So the question is: are we using public money to support Romanian industry or industries in other countries? There are different ways of approaching this issue. I am the one who has an obligation to support Romanian industry. Romania's automotive industry is a strategic sector, contributing around 13-14% of GDP, generating one-third of Romania's exports and, not least, accounting for around 230,000 jobs, in addition, of course, to those in supplier companies operating in related sectors. Last but not least, Romania's automotive industry succeeds in attracting significant investment and technological expertise,' Zamfir stressed.

In the minister's view, Romania must remain attractive for investment, manufacturing and research 'to keep pace with developments in the European industry, but especially with those across the Atlantic'.

'I firmly believe that we must not only manufacture here, but also be capable of developing technologies, creating added value and giving Romanian companies a genuine opportunity to participate in European value chains. It is absolutely clear that global competitive pressure is increasing, including from economies that support their own industries, and the information we have indicates that China does indeed provide strong support to its domestic manufacturers. That is why we, too, need fair competitive conditions and European policies that support our industry at both national and European level. At the same time, we face a challenge, namely the transition to low-emission mobility, to which Romania, as you well know, has committed itself. Above all, this transition must be realistic and predictable. Environmental objectives are certainly important, but they must also take account of the industry's ability to adapt, the investment required and the jobs that, in my view, must be preserved. We therefore need greater flexibility and realistic solutions that allow us to capitalise on technological progress while also achieving economic growth,' the official said.

According to Zamfir, the automotive industry encompasses suppliers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), software and engineering companies, universities and research centres.

'The role of the Economy Ministry, I can tell you with complete conviction, is precisely to act as an integrator, a genuine partner to industry, to listen to the problems companies face and to support solutions that will strengthen Romania's competitiveness, something I am convinced we all want. That is precisely why I assure you that I will continue the dialogue with manufacturers and suppliers and promote these priorities in discussions both within the government and, especially, at the level of European institutions. I have said repeatedly that I firmly believe Romania has the experience, the people and the industrial base needed to play an important role in the future of Europe's automotive industry. I believe we simply need to have confidence in these strengths and make effective use of them,' Daniel Zamfir said.

Automotive industry leaders, government officials and international experts are attending the fourth edition of the Sustainable and Affordable Mobility Forum on Thursday, organised by the Romanian Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers (APIA).

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