"It is time to change the philosophy and find new methods to implement financing programs, including those with tradition," said the Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Ștefan-Radu Oprea, at the start of the working meeting he had on Monday, July 10, with banks in Romania.
The meeting aimed to debate the proposal to relaunch the program for the development of marketing activities for market products and services (no. Trade & Services), as well as the multi-annual program for microindustrialization (no. Microindustrialization), in improved versions, focused on public-private partnership, informs the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism.
"Over time, we have visited many companies that can be proud of their success stories, to which, to a greater or lesser extent, we can say that we have also contributed, through the financing mechanisms that we have made available to entrepreneurs. These results are also due to the good collaboration that we had, in the implementation of the projects, with the partner banks. For this reason, I am firmly convinced that together, through a new approach and form of public-private work, we will be able to respond more promptly and efficiently to the real needs of Romanian SMEs. An important step is to focus attention on those resilient, bankable companies that can make a difference in a healthy market economy", added Minister Ștefan-Radu Oprea.
The new pilot editions of the "Trade & Services" and "Microindustrialization" programs aim to support investments and increase the competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors, as well as to encourage their digitalization and green transformation, respectively promoting domestic production and the "Made in Romania" concept. The financing mechanisms, in both cases, it aims to provide loans for a series of eligible investments such as, for example, the purchase of equipment, technologies or systems intended for energy efficiency. From the total amount, the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism will provide a capital premium for the reduction and rescheduling of the loan. The banking representatives agreed with the submitted proposals, also expressing their appreciation for the initiative and transparency.
"Banks can ensure a greater multiplier effect, therefore I believe that this approach offers the Romanian state the best opportunity to support local entrepreneurship. Moreover, in this way we can focus on the growth of companies after their debut period, obviously, where there is real potential," concluded Minister Ștefan-Radu Oprea.
The implementation procedures of the two programs are being finalized at the level of the relevant institution, and will be made public by the beginning of August, for consultation and debate. The budget allocated to the "Trade & Services" program for the current year is 74.5 million lei, while the "Microindustrialization" program benefits from 85 million lei.
