Under the High Patronage of
HRH Prince Radu of Romania
RANSYLVANIA
2018 Royal Edition
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A World of Business Opportunities
RECOMMENDATIONS History& Legacy
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Royalty Today
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Trade Missions
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Interviews 12-15 Agro Food
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Life Sciences
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RANSYLVANIA A project of Transylvania Today and Cluj Today Associations Project manager: Rada Morar Editorial manager: Bianca Pădurean Editor in chief: Claudiu Pădurean www.clujtoday.ro www.transylvaniatoday.ro Layout by:
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ISSN 2501-9961
EDITORIAL
Romania, between the East and the West Romania is situated on the border between the East and the West, and this geographical location has influenced its historical destiny. Culturally speaking, the western part of Romania, namely Transylvania, Maramureș, Crişana, Banat and Bucovina belong to Central Europe, while Bucovina, Moldova, Muntenia and Oltenia belong to the Eastern Europe. Through Dobrudja, Romania belongs to the Balkan world. The Danube River has been a commercial link with Central Europe since ancient times, while the Black Sea provides easy connections with the East and the South. The Romanians, as well as their ancestors, the Romans and the Dacians, took part in the history of all these regions of the world, that is why Romania is now the most suitable place where commercial links between all these areas of culture and civilization can be strengthened. The Royal Family of Romania has clearly understood this great advantage and has endeavoured to make it worthwhile. History shows that King Carol I, Ferdinand I, Carol II and Mihai I were right when they tried to turn Romania into a gate of the West open to the Orient. Currently, Romania is part of the Western world through its membership of the European Union and NATO but has not forgotten its friends in the Orient. This is
evidenced, among other things, by the excellent relations between the Royal Family of Romania and the Jordanian Royal Family. In the eyes of the Romanians, Jordan is a stable, secure, prosperous country and a reliable partner. Beyond the richness of its history and its remarkable cultural heritage, Jordan's most important resource is its people. For their Romanian friends, Jordanians are hardworking, trustworthy and creative people, as well as good negotiators. The year 2018 may represent, with the help of the two Royal Families, the moment of economic relations stepping to a new level. Romanian businessmen consider Jordan as a commercial and technological hub that has a key position in the Middle East, similar to the position of commercial and technological hub held by Romania in the Balkans and Central Eastern Europe. The partnership between Romania and Jordan will be rewarding for both countries, and the Romanians living in Jordan, as well as the Jordanians living in Romania are capable of building new bridges between the two nations. The official visit that the members of the Royal Family of Romania will be making in Jordan in 2018 is a key moment of the Romanian-Jordanian partnership.
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100 years since the Great Union T
his year, Romanians celebrate one century from the Great Union, when Bessarabia, Bucovina, Transylvania, Maramureş, Crişana and Banat joined the Kingdom of Romania. The Great Union was the result of the Romanian elites' vision, headed by their Majesties King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria of Romania, but also the outcome of an extraordinary historical fortune. At the end of the First World War, two giant empires collapsed: the Russian Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the peoples who were part of these empires were free to decide their own fate. At the advent of First World War, the Kingdom of Romania was a regional power that dominated the Balkans. Following the Balkan Wars, which preceded World War I, Romania succeeded in imposing a new balance in the Balkan Peninsula and, as a result of its participation in the Second Balkan War, Romania had received the Cadrilater region, i.e. Southern Dobrudja. In that campaign, the Royal Romanian Army was headed by the Crown Prince Ferdinand, who had received a solid military and university education in Germany.
King Ferdinand I
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The National Assembly in Alba Iulia, 1st of December 1918 That is why, at the beginning of the First World War, Romania was intensely courted by both the Central Powers and the Triple Entente. In 1914, Romania was bound in a secret treaty with the Central Powers, which, however, stipulated that the Allies would intervene in helping each other only if they were attacked. The treaty was not applicable in that war, because Austro-Hungary was the one that attacked Serbia. Moreover, the Romanian public opinion was largely favourable to the Triple Entente, as the Romanians in Austria-Hungary were nationally oppressed. Thus, in 1914, two powerful sides were formed: the first, headed by King Carol I, wanted Romania to fight with the Central Powers and to liberate Bessarabia, occupied by the Russian Empire in 1812, and the second, headed by the Prime Minister Ionel Brătianu and the Princess Maria, wanted Romania to fight alongside the Entente Powers to liberate Transylvania. Since neither of the side succeeded in imposing its view, Romania chose to declare its neutrality.
Queen Maria and King Ferdinand I giving decorations to soldiers, 1917
HISTORY&LEGACY during the war, and the Romanian Royal Army, regrouped in the winter of 1916 -1917, was able to successfully oppose the Central Powers. In autumn 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia left Romania alone on the eastern front. The Bolsheviks attempted to arrest King Ferdinand I, so Romania woke up surrounded by enemies, ad had to call for armistice with the Central Powers.
The Greek-Catholic bishop Iuliu Hossu reading the Union decision in Alba Iulia, 1st of December 1918 The balance broke in autumn 1914, when King Carol I died, and King Ferdinand I ascended to the throne. Although he was born in the Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen German family, he was determined to take into account the will of his people. King Ferdinand I started preparing the Romanian army for war. In 1916, 50 years since the founding of the Romanian Dynasty, King Ferdinand I decided to declare war on his native country, Germany. For his initiative, his relatives declared him a traitor and erased his name of the Great Book of the Hohenzollern. For the Romanians, however, this gesture had an extraordinary significance: he showed that, despite his German origins, the Dynasty had become one hundred percent Romanian. When one of the members of the Crown Council, Petre Carp, who was a partisan of the alliance with the Central Powers, told him that "the Hohenzollern cannot be defeated," King Ferdinand I gave him a memorable reply: "You are mistaken; I have just defeated one", referring to himself.
Iași became the Capital of the country atfer the authorities found refuge there The year 1918 brought the collapse of Russia, so on March 27th, 1918, Bessarabia decided to unite with Romania. In November 1918, Austro-Hungary collapsed. On November 15th, 1918, Bucovina joined, and on December 1st, 1918, they joined with Romania and Transylvania, Maramureș, Crișana and Banat. The central figures of the Union were King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria, who were crowned as Kings of Great Romania at Alba Iulia in 1922. Many historians see the two sovereigns as the most important rulers in the history of Romania. Their legacy is taken further by their greatgranddaughter, Her Majesty Margareta of Romania, Custodian of the Crown.
The coronation of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria, 1922, Alba Iulia Romania's joining the war forced Germany to deploy troops on the western front to deal with the offensive of the Romanian troops advancing in Transylvania. However, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire, declared war on Romania and joined the war. The Triple Entente was unable to honour the promises it had made to Romania, namely to increase the quantity of modern weapons delivered to the Romanian army and to launch an offensive on the Thessaloniki front to keep the Bulgarian troops busy. Under these circumstances, the Romanian army was put to the test. The Romanian troops were pushed beyond the Carpathians. Then, trapped just like in a pliers, they had to withdraw. After several bloody battles, the Central Powers occupied the capital city Bucharest, and the King, Parliament, Government and Army fled to Moldova. Iași became the Romanian capital city
Queen Maria
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The Royal Family of Romania, the Symbol of Hope and Trust
T
he Royal Family of Romania is one of the most important symbols of the Romanian nation. In the year when Romanians celebrate 100 years since the Great Union, i.e. since the Union of Bessarabia, Bucovina and Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania, the Royal Family of Romania will be present in all the historical regions of the country, but also abroad to honour the memory of King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria, the main heroes of the Union. The last years have brought a series of important symbolic restitutions. May 10th was officially recognised by the Romanian authorities as a national holiday since its celebration had been forbidden during the communist era. This is an important day for the Romanians because in 1866, Prince Carol I was crowned on a 10th, and thus the Romanian Dynasty was founded. On May 10th, 1877, Romania's state independence from the Ottoman Empire was proclaimed. This day was chosen by the Bucharest Parliament to coincide with the day of the
investiture of Prince Carol I of Romania, who would lead the Romanian troops fighting for independence on the Balkan front. Furthermore, on May 10th, 1881, Carol I was crowned King of Romania following the Romanian Parliament had voted for the country to be transformed into a kingdom. King Carol I chose to be crowned with the Steel Crown, the symbol of Romania's sovereignty. The first King of Romania chose
this crown, cast from the steel of a Turkish cannon captured at Plevna in the War of Independence, and not a golden crown to point out that the Dynasty and Romania rose by merit and sacrifice, and the Crown of Steel was the expression of the austere spirit of the King. Moreover, starting this year the Steel Crown is again a national symbol on Romania's coat of arms. The royal symbol is now displayed in all public institutions and will be featured on coins and banknotes. The Romanian Parliament is also going to debate a draft law that will formally recognise the importance of the activity carried out in the interests of the nation by members of the Royal Family of Romania.
At present, although Romania still retains its republican form of government, the Royal Family enjoys a huge prestige all over the country. The members of the Royal Family award decorations, grant high patronage to various initiatives and organisations working in the social, sports, cultural, educational or artistic fields, award titles of Official Suppliers of the Royal House and promote the interests of Romania abroad. Essentially, there is not much difference between the current role of the Royal Family of Romania and that of other reigning Royal Families.
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HISTORY&LEGACY ROYALTY TODAY
Since the death of the late King Mihai I of Romania on December 5th, 2017, the role of Head of the Royal Family is fulfilled by Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania. It is for the first time in history when this role is fulfilled by a woman. This is the consequence of the amendment of the Fundamental Rules of the Royal Family, promulgated by King Mihai I on December 30th, 1997, which eliminated the principle that the King should be succeeded by male heirs. Her Majesty Margareta of Romania has chosen the title of Custodian of the Crown and not the title of Queen so far to emphasise that as long as Romania retains the republican form of government, the Crown is in a symbolic exile.
At present, the Royal Family of Romania consists up Her Majesty Margareta of Romania, Custodian of the Crown, His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania, as well as their Royal Highnesses Princesses Elena, Sofia and Maria of Romania. There are five grandchildren and granddaughters of King Mihai I, who can receive the title of Prince or Princess of Romania and Royal Highness by decision of the Head of the Royal Family.
Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Crown, His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania and Her Royal Highness Princess Maria of Romania currently live in the country. Members of the Royal Family of Romania assume a role of international representation and promotion of public interests and Romanians living in the Republic of Moldova as well. This State was formed after the collapse of the USSR on a large part of the Romanian territory occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940. The members of the Royal Family are engaged in supporting the path that led to Moldova's approaching the European Union as well as in the approaches aimed at bringing closer the two Romanian States. The desire to get closer is growing both in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and the esteem and gratitude enjoyed by members of the Royal Family grow year by year, both in cities a n d i n t h e countryside.
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A Royal Friendship Halfway across the World T
he friendly relationship between the Royal Family of Romania and the Royal Family of Jordan is exemplary. This relationship has opened many opportunities for collaboration among people, institutions and companies in both countries.
HM Margareta, HRH Princess Muna and HRH Prince Radu
Princess Muna of Jordan, the mother of His Majesty King Abdullah II, has a special connection to Romania. Her Royal Highness is, among others, Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Târgu-Mureş. Official welcome at the Queen Alia International Airport Amman, October 2017
Those who established this lasting friendship were King Mihai I and Queen Ana of Romania who in 1995 first visited the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The royalties of the two countries have discovered many common passions. As a result, in 1996, at the invitation of the Royal Family of Jordan, Their Royal Highnesses Princess Margareta and Prince Radu of Romania spent their honeymoon in this hospitable and beautiful country.
This royal friendship has spurred and developed the relations between the Romanians and the Jordanians. Over the recent years, several cultural and academic cooperation projects have emerged, and economic relations have also increased. The losses of King Hussein in 1999, Queen Ana in 2016 and King Mihai I in 2017, who went to the Heavenly Father, did not affect the friendship between the Royal Families of Romania and Jordan. There are common passions that the members of the two Royal Families share.
The friendship between the two Royal Families has continued over the years. Members of the Royal Family of Romania returned to Jordan in 2004, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017. Last year, the most extensive foreign visit of the Royal Family of Romania was in Jordan. Moreover, various members of the Royal Family of Jordan visited Romania in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2017. The visit of Her Majesty Margareta at the Jordanian Red Crescent
HM Margareta and the president of the Jordanian Red Crescent
His Majesty King Abdullah II is passionate about cinema, just like His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania. Both the King of Jordan and the Prince of Romania played roles as actors. The King of Jordan even appeared in an episode of the Star Trek series. In their turn, Her Majesty Margareta, the Custodian of the Crown of Romania and Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan are involved in many social and charitable projects. Members of the Royal Family of Jordan appreciated the hospitality offered by the Romanians, the charm of Bucharest, the elegance of Peleş and the beauty of the
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HISTORY&LEGACY ROYALTY TODAY
Visit of HM Margareta at King Hussein National Oncologic Centre
Transylvanian settlements. For their part, members of the Royal Family of Romania appreciate the welcoming manner in which they have been received each time in Jordan, as well as the special historical heritage that includes UNESCO
Her Majesty Margareta with Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal
status of kingdom. The Great Union followed in 1918, at the end of the First World War. In Jordan, Arab leaders fought on the Entente side, just like Romania. They wanted to escape Ottoman domination. The territory of Jordan gained autonomy in the interwar period, and in the Second World War, the Jordanian Arab Legion soldiers, who fought the Axis, showed a lot of heroism.
Visit of HM Margareta at King Hussein National Oncologic Centre
World Heritage sites such as the ruins of the ancient city of Petra or the protected area Wadi Rum. Another element that is similar in the history of the two countries is the ties between the independence of the two States and their dynasties. Romania was created by the union of the Principalities of Moldava and Wallachia in 1859. In 1866, Prince Carol I ascended on the throne of Romania,
Meeting with HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, president of the Jordanian Olympic Committee
and he obtained the independence of the country after the war of 1877-1878, then, in 1881, the country was given the
The Romanian delegation that accompanied The Royal Family of Romania in Jordan
The founder of the Jordanian dynasty, Abdullah I, carried the title of Emir of Jordan between 1923 and 1946. Since 1946, he received the title of King of Transjordan, and since 1949 he has adopted the title of King of Jordan. In 1951, King Abdullah I was assassinated in Jerusalem as he went out of prayer from the Al Aqsa Mosque. He was succeeded by his nephew, King Talal I, until 1972, and then his son, King Hussein I, arrived on the Throne of Amman. Since 1999 he has been succeeded by the current sovereign, King Abdullah II. His successor was named Crown Prince Hussein, who graduated from Georgetown University, then the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. The Royal Family of Jordan descends from the family of the Prophet Mohammed, through it daughter, Fatima, the wife of Caliph Ali. The Hashemite family ruled the holy city of Mecca Muslims for seven centuries, until 1925, when it was conquered by the Saudi Royal Family. The Hashemite family has been ruling Jordan since 1921. The Hashemite Royal Family also led, through its various branches, Syria, Hejaz and Iraq. Š The Household of Her Majesty The Custodian of the Crown, photos by: Bogdan Č˜erban Iancu and Mihai Covrig
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How the Royal Family Promotes the Economic Interests of Romanian Companies
O
ne of the most effective means by which members of the Royal Family of Romania promote the interests of Romanian companies is the organisation of economic missions abroad. Romanian companies have the opportunity to find, through these missions, business partners, attract investors or conclude various trade agreements. There are also many cases where Romanian companies manage to identify different opportunities to invest abroad. These economic missions conducted over the
companies met business partners, government officials and public authorities. The delegation led by His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, who was also the Minister of Economy, the Minister of Agriculture, the Mayor of Chișinău, and the leadership of the North Regional Development Agency in Bălți. The business delegation also visited other localities, such as Regina Maria or Purcari, the latter famous for its vineyard. An official visit to Germany, Dusseldorf and Neuss followed in the autumn of 2016. Transylvanian businessmen met with representatives of the chambers of commerce and industry of the two cities, as well as representatives of the Dusseldorf Stock Exchange. Besides the Cluj companies, the Romanian Government was represented at this visit by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Economy, the Foreign Minister, the Head of Invest in Romania Agency, State Secretaries, and His Excellency Emil Hurezeanu, Ambassador of Romania in Germany.
Trilateral Royal Business Conference in Cluj
years have produced many concrete results: a German company has invested over 10 million euros in some factory manufacturing metal components for the automotive industry located in Cluj county, another German company has invested in the creation of a software production centre in the town of Bălți, the second largest city of the Republic of Moldova, and a Cluj infrastructure company has already invested in Chișinău, the capital of the Republic of Moldova. Long-term partnerships have also emerged: the Porsche Group software division has entered into a partnership with a software company in the Republic of Moldova.
Royal visits abroad
These businesses are the consequence of the economic missions organised since 2016 under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania. In the spring of 2016, a delegation of businessmen from Transylvania took part in an economic, academic and cultural visit that was organised in several localities in the Republic of Moldova. In the capital city Chișinău, the representatives of Cluj
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In the autumn of 2017, the Trilateral Royal Business Conference took place in Cluj-Napoca, the main city of Transylvania region and the second largest romanian city, under the aegis of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania. The event brought together companies from Romania, Germany and the Republic of Moldova, which tried to identify new opportunities for economic cooperation and trade. It also laid the foundations for future partnerships between different business associations in the three Cluj-Napoca, Trilateral Royal Business Conference
HISTORY&LEGACY TRADE MISSIONS
Business meeting at Commerce and Industry Chamber in Neuss
countries. The event was hosted by the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at the "King Mihai I" Institute of Life Sciences. Bălți, Meeting at Regional Developement Agency
Trade missions in Jordan and Serbia
Two foreign visits of the Royal Family of Romania are planned for 2018, who will be accompanied by representatives of the companies. The first visit is scheduled in Jordan, and the second in Serbia. The range of interests of these companies is very wide, varying from agro-food to IT and from renewable energy to real estate investment.
There is also interest from Transylvanian companies to establish the bases of regular economic cooperation with Moldovan and German companies, as well as to organise new economic missions in countries such as Poland or France. The increased effectiveness of such economic missions has also led to a steady increase in the number of those interested in the opening of such projects organised at the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania. Moreover, the partnerships between companies and the various business associations arising from these royal visits have beneficial consequences for Romania and the Republic of Moldova, as there increasingly bilateral and international cooperation projects.
Düsseldorf, Romanian and German businessmen at the Jägerhof Castle
2016 - Trade missions in Republic
of Moldova and Germany
2017 -
Trilateral Royal Business Conference in Cluj
2018 -
Trade missions in Jordan and Serbia 9
INVEST HISTORY&LEGACY IN ROMANIA
Reasons to Invest in Romania Romania is one of the fastest-growing European economies. In 2017, the growth rate of the Romanian economy exceeded all expectations: 7 percent of GDP. It is the largest increase in the European Union. This growth rate, along with lower labour costs than in Western countries, as well as the high rate of technology make Romania one of the most attractive destinations for investors. Economic experts expect the rate of growth of the Romanian economy this year to be lower than in 2017, because one of the drivers of growth, namely consumption, will slow down. But this is not necessarily bad news, because even in 2018 Romania’s trade balance will remain unbalanced. There are estimates that Romania’s trade deficit will amount to 14.2 billion euros. Instead, exports will continue to grow. Under these conditions, the Government estimates an economic growth of 5.5 percent, while the National Bank of Romania estimates an increase of only 5 percent. However, both in 2016 and in 2017, the increases predicted by the authorities have been overtaken by real-world economic developments. Data over the recent years, supplemented with a moderate public debt, have prompted Fitch Rating experts to evaluate Romania with the BBB-rating, with a stable outlook. This rating has stimulated foreign investors to continue to come to Romania, as they manage to find the labour force they need relatively easily. The unemployment rate calculated by the authorities is 4.8% in Romania, with higher values in the southern and eastern counties of the country.
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Another element that defines Romania’s economy is the steady growth of GDP in the years following the global economic crisis. This year, Romania’s GDP would reach 199 billion euros, which is a new record. The objective assumed by the Romanian society as a whole is represented by a convergence with the Western States of the European Union. But in order to achieve this goal, Romanians need to make significant efforts and attract new investments, especially in areas involving the use of new technologies. In some sectors, such as the IT industry, the results exceeded the initial expectations. Currently, Romania is a European leader in this field, and experts in the economy believe that Romanians should repeat the same scenario in other areas, such as scientific research or the medical field. The opinion is also shared by the authorities, which have adopted a tax and wage policy designed to stimulate the development of these sectors.
Tel: +40 21 202 53 04 office@investromania.gov.ro investromania@investromania.gov.ro www.investromania.gov.ro
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Romania in the European Union, Achievements and Shortcomings Angela Cristea, Head of European Commission Representation in Romania
Angela Cristea has been Head of the European Commission Representation in Romania since 2014. With over 20 years of experience in institutional communication management, Angela Cristea has worked in Romania, Turkey and Egypt, and starting 2010, at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. Read the interview she gave for Transylvania Today.
Romania turned 11 years old since joining the European Union. In this context, which would be the top three achievements and the top three failures so far? In my opinion, a top three achievements would include: raising the standard of living in the last ten years by 50% against 2007, compared to the European average, a percentage which ranks Romania on the first place in this chapter within the EU Member States. According to Eurostat data, from 38% of the EU average in 2006, Romania has risen to 57% in 2015, as a PPPs-adjusted GDP / capita according to ESA 2010 standardization. overcoming the financial crisis and recording significant economic growth, which puts Romania in the top spot
of the EU. For the first quarter of 2017, according to the latest Eurostat barometer, Romania recorded the largest percentage of economic growth in the European Union: 5.6% compared to the first quarter of 2016. By comparison, the EU economy as a whole increased by 2% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same quarter of 2016 and the increase was 1.7% in the euro area. currently, Romania has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, i.e. 5.4%, while it is 7.8% at EU level. This is what European funds have contributed to. For example, in the period 2007-13, more than 35,000 new jobs were created through the efficient use of Cohesion Funds.
At the same time, Romania has contributed to the European construction: for example, by raising the bar on fight against corruption and observing the rule of law, largely due to the fact that it remained and is still under the Co-operation and Verification Mechanism. Romania has also made important efforts to protect the EU’s external borders, being, for example, the second Member State as size of its contribution to Frontex operations. In the top three shortcomings I would mention: rising of the income inequality between the rich and the poor, accelerated in 2012, with a very significant spread in 2015: the 20% richest of the population has an income more than eight times the income of the 20% poorest, a much higher ratio than the European average (1 to 5). the decrease in the active population through the continuous emigration of Romanians, especially among young people. Since 2007, according to the latest Country Report, the population has dropped by 6%, a third-largest drop in the EU. the very large gap between the rural and urban areas. Over 45% of the population lives in the rural area, which remains far behind the urban area in terms of poverty reduction, employment, education, access to services and infrastructure.
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HISTORY&LEGACY INTERVIEW
Romania will hold the presidency of the European Council in 2019. How will it have to prepare to ensure a successful mandate? There will be six special months and I am pleased to find that the preparations for this maturity test have already begun in Romania. The way in which it is preparing now and how it will present then is essential for its positioning in Europe. In order to have a successful mandate, it is necessary for Romania to play the role of “honest broker” as well as possible, and for this it is important to know in detail the positions of the different Member States in the files that will be on the agenda of the Romanian Presidency of the Council. It is important, therefore, to proceed as quickly as possible to the recruitment and training of negotiators and technical teams, able to lead all the Member States meetings on the files that will be on the agenda: the 2020-2027 budget, the completion of the negotiation of UK exit, the European elections, a new summit of the Eastern Partnership. Last but not least, it is important to develop a better institutional cooperation relationship with the Union executive, the European Commission, and the colegislator, the European Parliament. Romania has some delays in attracting and investing European funds. What do you think would be the best solution to address these delays?
thanks to the efforts made by the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Crețu, for Romania and for all Member States with absorption difficulties. The Commissioner has launched several initiatives allowing: to identify and overcome the obstacles faced by Member States with absorption below 60%; continuing major projects beyond the 2007-2013 period (through phasing / phasing out); repayment by the Commission of large-scale works executed through loans, etc. For the current 2014-2020 period, Commissioner Crețu has repeatedly drawn attention to the start of the new programs with considerable delays, providing all the Commission’s support for accelerating the absorption rate, but also for increasing the quality of projects funded by European funds. At the same time, Commissioner Creţu asked the Romanian authorities to follow the European tendency to simplify the procedures for accessing European funds. This is the solution. We do not have to turn European projects into an obstacle course, because this won’t do anybody good. On the contrary, management authorities and beneficiaries can join forces for a better deployment of EU funding in projects with genuine added value for the quality of life of the citizens and communities where they live. Given that the ultimate goal of these funds is to increase social cohesion and reduce economic gaps.
The only closed period, the only one we can assess, is the one regarding the absorption rate for the period 2007-2013, and it is estimated at around 90%. This was particularly possible
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Istvan Vakar: Cluj is a Pole of Economic Development
Istvan Vakar Vice-President of Cluj County Council Cluj has strengthened its position as the main hub in the IT industry over the last years. But Cluj County has also become a centre of innovation and aerospace industry. Moreover, the industry in the county has been developing under a remarkable pace, and in the agricultural field the emphasis is on the production of high quality food. Istvan Vakar scrutinizes the economic situation of Cluj County.
Reporter: Mr. Vakar, what is the key element that led to this
most important centre in this area between Bucharest,
development?
Budapest and Belgrade.
Istvan Vakar: I think universities have represented the
How do authorities engage in this economic development?
essential element for our community. They are a magnet for young people across Transylvania - and not only! Thanks
There are several methods by which we involve effectively
to the students, Cluj remains a young city, where investors
in the economic development of the county. One of the most
can always find a well-qualified workforce. Also, Cluj’s
effective is clustering. It is a trend that is also supported by
universities have the ability to perform good-quality scientific
the European Union, because these clusters bring together
research, and this is an important element for companies.
companies, the academia, public authorities and so-called
In recent years, Cluj has become “home” for many foreign
organisations with a catalyst role. We have performing
students from countries such as France, Sweden or Germany.
clusters in areas such as IT, agro-food, the furniture
These young people confirm once again the conclusions of a
industry and a few other areas. The Cluj County Council is
study of the European Commission, which declared Cluj as the
an active actor in these clusters and tries to stimulate the
friendliest city with foreigners and, in addition, confirms and
balanced economic development of the county through
strengthens the multicultural character of our bellowed Cluj.
such organisations. Then, another effective way to support economic development is to invest in infrastructure, and here
Can the development of Cluj be explained only by this element,
the most important element is the International Airport in our
universities?
property. This year, Cluj airport will exceed the threshold of three million passengers, which ranks it second in Romania,
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Obviously not. Cluj has a dynamic and creative entrepreneurial
after Bucharest. We want to continue investing in this very
environment. With the help of these entrepreneurs, of young
important objective. Then, the County Council created the
people, universities, local authorities, civil society, we have
best public industrial parks in Romania, managed by Tetarom.
managed to turn Cluj into Romania’s main IT pole and the
There are three industrial parks, two in Cluj-Napoca and
HISTORY&LEGACY INTERVIEW
one in Jucu, which have attracted most important investors
Then, there is an exceptional tourist development. Cluj hosts
such as Emerson, Bosch, DeLonghi or companies founded
many festivals, such as Untold, to which we contribute with
in Cluj, such as Banca Transilvania or Energobit. Because
our infrastructure, i.e. Cluj Arena stadium. Untold has been
of the limited space available here, I cannot list all the
declared the Best Major Festival in Europe since its first
companies that deserve to be mentioned. We want to support
edition in 2015. Moreover, one of the most beautiful festivals,
the development of Tetarom on two axes. First, we want to
Electric Castle, is organised in a baroque castle in BonĹŁida.
expand this network and create new industrial parks. We are
Tourists also notice our historic heritage, vibrant art and great
very close to this phase. Then, on the second axis, we want to
sporting events. Cluj was the European Youth Capital in 2015,
support innovation, and in this regard, we have already begun
and this year it was declared the European City of Sports. The
to work together with the leadership of Tetarom. Our project
articles written by your colleagues from publications such
is called Tetapolis, which will be the core of a regional hub to
as Vogue, The Calvert Journal or The Lonely Planet, which
support technological start-ups. Tetapolis already operates
praise Cluj, encourage us to go further down this road.
in the Tetarom I industrial park in Cluj-Napoca. Apart from universities, industry and IT, which are the engines of Cluj development? There are many engines. I would also mention agriculture, which produces good quality food. Through AgroTransilvania agro-food cluster, we managed to open the factory in Năsal, where the best cheese in the region is produced. We invite your readers to taste this wonderful product. But Cluj also hosts important companies in the field of dairy, meat products or excels on niches such as cold pressed oils.
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Global Expertise Adapted to Regional Realities Expanding business in a wider economic area The enhanced facilities and framework for cross-border economic operations are encouraging more and more businesses to seek partners and expand their activities in a wider geographic context. You may be looking for opportunities to expand, invest or complement your current business activities, or may be seeking expertise or interested investors to support your business growth.
Anton-Sorin Popa, CEO
Helping you establish trusted business relations CS INVEST CONSULTING (CSI) has the team and the expertise you need to identify and connect to potential partners and establish relations with companies abroad that can help your business grow. We have over 20 years of experience in facilitating business relations between companies and enterprises in Western Europe and Romania. Our mission is to help businesses identify and access opportunities, collaborations and resources at an international level to help them grow and compete stronger. CSI offers you a dedicated service to find and set-up the business relation you need, whether you are looking for partners in South-Eastern Europe or you are a SE European company interested in teaming up with Western European business organizations. CSI is prepared to assist you in exploring and selecting relevant partnering options across all regional market segments and according to a carefully sourced profile of interests. CSI is offering companies which plan to enter into joint ventures or to invest in Romanian businesses an extended range of professional services. The same opportunity applies to Romanian businesses who seek to establish a presence in the UK, Italy, Germany, and Austria. CS INVEST CONSULTING works in close association with NICHOLAS ASSOCIATES (www.nicholasassociates.co.uk), the UK partner.
Business Advisory Services provided cover the key elements which will support a business in deciding whether to partner with or invest in a company: Project feasibility analysis Business plan preparation +40 722 870 914 www.csinvest.ro
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Preparation of finance application documentation General financial and economical analysis of the overall context for the proposed business.
HISTORY&LEGACY HOW TO INVEST
Our objective is to help companies review their business and operations models, and develop strategies to reach for resources for development at an international level: partnering opportunities with businesses with similar or complementary activity, programs for business stimulation, development resources and finance, project opportunities to help your product development, investment partners, and strategic alliances.
Valuation To allow clients to make investment decisions, CSI provides valuation services as: Business valuation Real estate appraisal Plant and equipment valuation Financial and non-tangible assets valuation. We conduct business evaluations to understand the objectives, the models, and the processes which define a businesses' activity and operations. Based on the insight into your business activities we identify types of external resources which can offer efficient support or bring new opportunities to your business. Once the needs and the options are known, we assist you in devising strategies for accessing and making the most of the identified types of resources and opportunities. This includes: prioritising your efforts, aligning business objectives and activities with the chosen resources, planning for contingencies thinking about how to make efficient use of the new resources.
Project management for Investment projects The PM activity has been specifically designed to support the development of tomorrow's leaders in the construction industry and investment area. The assistance we offer our clients is focused on a strategic approach built on: - An overall view over the investment project, covering the project whole life-cycle, from the strategy/concept phase, through design, and on to the development and operation - Integrated services leading to complete solutions – from the identification and analysis of an investment's adequate location, concept, design, and construction up to valuation, financing solutions, and assistance during the investment process, and on to the investment's capitalization (operation, promotion, leasing or selling). - The identification of optimal market opportunities, the highest and best use, for the deployment and use of the developed solution in terms of potential, efficiency, and yield.
- The support and assistance in identifying the best partners during the project development and implementation: designers, architects, general contractors and sub-contractors, suppliers, and other business partners. Our work is guided by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), the foremost organization for property professionals in the world, internationally renowned for the high professional and ethical standards of the organization and its members.
RICS motto: “The mark of property professionalism worldwide” – is our inspiration and permanent challenge.
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DIGITAL PARK
Silicon Valley of Moldova Digital Park is the first technological park in Moldova, designed as a favourable collaborative environment in which innovative businesses thrive. The goal of the park is to become the beginning of “Silicon Valley” in Moldova. Its beneficiaries are local and foreign IT companies, as well as those promoting creativity and innovation. Digital Park also has a significant area of coworking, which means it’s attractive for both freelancers, beginners and mature companies.
Ciprian Poștaru, CEO Digital Park
A unique place in the heart of the capital 170 Columna St. Chișinău, Moldova www.digitalpark.md
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Given that 50% of the facility spaces will be intended for green areas, Digital Park will be a unique place in the heart of the capital, which will effectively combine a high-performing office complex with a vast green area, recreational and cultural spaces. Digital Park will be a central location for IT: here they will enjoy the Silicon Valley atmosphere, will do sports after work, in one of the complex’s restaurants will celebrate the successful projects and, why not, they will bring their children at a kindergarten. Green terraces will be opened on the roofs, raising the park to a new height, both literally and figuratively. Another innovative thing is that blocks A and B have a special architecture and are covered with glass, ceramic tiles, steel shims and black brick. On the whole, these elements offer increased energy efficiency.
ITHISTORY&LEGACY AND INNOVATION
Fine details and appearance The project offers unique finishes in the Republic of Moldova, designed in fine detail of perfect form and appearance. The challenge was to give Block A an extra bit of identity and exclusivity both in terms of design and public amenities. At the technical level, the column pitch is uniquely 9 m, making the space adequate for an open-space work environment. In the Republic of Moldova, this will be the first office building with such an architectural feature. Blocks A and B are 90% finished outdoors, and currently they are working on finishing engineering networks and green park landscaping. Digital Park will be launched in the third quarter of 2018.
Green Building The green and recreational areas were the basis of the Digital Park concept. Finally, the complex will provide its residents and visitors with 9,300 m2 of parkland and recreation areas, 4,300 m2 of terraced and green roofs, 1,700 m2 of cafés and restaurants, and many other attractive amenities. Digital Park is a smart project, from architecture to engineering networks. That’s why Blocks A and B were designed with wide windows facing north and the façade covered with ceramic tiles facing the south, to reduce the energy consumption needed for summer cooling and winter lighting requirements. At the same time, block A also features 81 m2 atrium that allows natural light to flood the space in all directions. Upon completion of the project, they will apply for the “green building” certification.
parkland and 9,300 m2 ofrecreation areas and 4,300 m2 terraced green roofs restaurants 9,300 m2 cafés, and other amenities
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The agency with the largest portfolio of offers nationwide, currently holds 3 offices in Cluj-Napoca, the city with the strongest rise in the real estate market in Romania. It has real estate agents specialized in all segments and is distinguished by: portfolio of exclusive offers, reliability, positive image, experience, professionalism and renowned clients, including investment funds.
Services: real estate brokerage real estate management rental of apartments / houses / spaces sales of apartments / houses / spaces / land / factories
Contact: casa.napoca@yahoo.com office@napocaimobiliare.ro 31-35 Teodor Mihali St., office no. 4, Cluj-Napoca Tel.: +40 757 047 380 +40 757 047 210
HISTORY&LEGACY AGRO & FOOD
The Integrator Pole of Sustainable Agribusiness Sector in Transylvania
AgroTransilvania Cluster is a professional association consisting of 74 member entities in the agribusiness sector that brings together regional actors, from the North-West part of Romania, along the entire value chain of the agri- food industry, from producers to processing and distribution networks.
Support services provided by AgroTransilvania Cluster: Facilitation of collaboration between members Know-how in the field of agribusiness and agri-food industry Support services for the development of external partnerships Support services for human resource development Enabling facilities sharing Access to the European Internal market Access to public support (regional/national programs)
Prof. Felix ARION, PHD Tel: +40 751 011 228 felix.arion@agrocluster.ro www.agrocluster.ro AgroTransilvania Cluster
Access to private funding
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The Story of Cold Pressed Oil in Transylvania
Some of the best vegetable oils in Romania are produced in the heart of Transylvania. It is a family business unique in its own way. “Luna Solai” cold pressed oils are produced exclusively from Romanian seeds and their high quality has been certified by the specialists of the International Taste & Quality Institute of Brussels (ITQi). Felicia Tulai, Founder
Four years ago, the company received the title of Official Supplier of the Royal House of Romania, and last year, the cold pressed oil factory received the certification required to produce organic oils. The first organic oil put on the market by the Cluj company is the linseed oil. The plans of the members of the Tulai family, who owns and runs this cold pressed oil factory, don’t stop here.
A hobby turned into a successful business The story of Luna Solai cold pressed oils began in 1998, with the purchase of a 5,000-euro oil press that found its place in the parents’ yard. After retirement, they started to produce cold-pressed sunflower oil from the seeds brought by villagers or farmers in the region. What seemed like a hobby at first turned into a prosperous business, and the range of oils diversified. “I made the decision to create our own product back in 2011, when I realised that there is a growing demand for cold-pressed oils, which is not satisfied by the offer present on the market. My colleagues were asking for this product knowing that my parents were preparing it in their small manufacture from Luna”, says Felicia Tulai, Luna Solai Brand Manager.
117A Luncani village, Cluj Tel. +40 747 921 004 office@lunasolail.com
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Being aware of the importance of marketing and of a well-established brand, thanks to her previous business experience, Felicia Tulai set out on her way with the desire to create a premium brand with the strengths of the Romanian area and soils. Nowadays she produces, besides sunflower oil, pumpkin seed oil, linseed oil, hemp seed oil, walnut oil, rape seed oil, and some of the oils are spiced with aromatic plants: “All the seeds we use come from the Transylvanian Plateau. There are 100% Romanian oils”, says Mihail Tulai, the co-founder of the family business.
International Recognition Since the best way to promote a product is to obtain international recognition, four of the cold pressed oils have been sent for evaluation by the International Taste & Quality Institute in Brussels. All four received scores considered by the experts to be the equivalent of Michelin stars that evaluate the performance of refined restaurants. “This is a blind evaluation. The members of the jury do not know who the producer is or where it comes from”, says Felicia Tulai. In 2017 the sunflower oil received 3 stars, and those of pumpkin, walnut and rape received two stars of maximum three stars.
AGRO & FOOD Extension A new chapter began at the end of 2016, more precisely on 7 October, when the Luncani production unit (Luna, Cluj County) was inaugurated. Located in a more generous space, the new unit is configured to meet the technological process required for processing larger quantities of seeds and for storing raw material and finished product in specially designed spaces. The entire department abides by the standards imposed by the ISO 22000 quality management system with which LUNA SOLAI products are certified. This way, the tremendous potential of the Transylvanian Plateau is valorised, an area rich in tradition, history and culinary habits. The company also aims to support the efforts of farmers in the area, the local agriculture and economy, much of the raw material used to obtain the oils is supplied by them. The human potential present here and its capitalization in the new production facility was another factor that contributed to the decision to open the new unit in Luncani. The team ensuring the process of obtaining oils is currently small, but it will grow in the future, taking into account the development and diversification strategy of the range of oils.
The royal visit to Luncani “We were especially honoured to receive Her Royal Highness, Princess Maria, in the new production facility, 2 years after we became supplier of the Royal House of Romania”, says Felicia Tulai. ”9 November 2016 is a special day in our soul calendar, as we were given the opportunity to enjoy the presence of Her Royal Highness, meet her in person and discover a wonderful character, a noble soul and an extraordinary modesty. We spent beautiful moments together, we shared the tradition and culinary habits of the area and we enjoyed the moment offered by the Association of Voluntary Women in Luna. On departure, HRH Princess Maria wrote a message in the Luna Solai Book of Honour that is to be read by all those who will visit us”, said Felicia Tulai about the royal visit.
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The Power of the Natural Oils When you think of cold press oil, delicious salads may come to one’s mind or maybe tasty roast beefs. The cold press oil industry is not only about healthy food for people. It is also about nutritious food for animals and also about a new and ecologic fuel: Biodiesel. An important company located in the North-East of Romania, near Iași, Prodsor, is one of the most committed cold press oil industrial producers in the area.
Genoveva Cojocaru, General Manager
The story of the company began in 2006. In 2011, Prodsor
This is why Biodiesel is our company’s next move. These are
implemented a project with EU funds. It was the moment
great advantages taking into account the accessibility on a
when the company, built a unit capable of producing oils for
large scale of vegetable oils and the impact in decreasing the
Biodiesel, the fuel of the future. This kind of fuel is a good
green house gas emissions”, said Genoveva Cojocaru.
electricity conductor, more environment friendly than other fuels such as gasoline or Diesel fuel. It is a vegetable oil, not
The plant has now 10 dedicated employees that work every
chemically treated, that does not pollute the air or soil.
day to produce 200 tons of cold press oil a month from sunflower seeds and rapeseed, during the summer.
”This kind of oil can be used also in the energy industry. For example, in Italy this kind of oil is used for cogeneration
The factory produces and packs the oil in bulk quantities
(green-energy)”, said Genoveva Cojocaru, general manager of
which means that are easy to store and transport. These
Prodsor company. ”This innovative biologic biofuel extracted
quantities are usually used for feeding animals in farms.
from rapeseed and sunflower seeds will be capable of replacing petrodiesel completely, in the not too distant future.
The range of Prodsor products: 39 Main Street, Oțeleni, Iași, Romania, postcode 707355 Tel. + 40 768 996 672 Tel./Fax: +40 232 718 173 genoveva.cojocaru@prodsor.ro
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Sunflower oil, that preserves the nutritional and therapeutic qualities of the sunflower seeds; Rapeseed oil, cold press oil extraction from various types of rapeseeds & groats production; Biodiesel, one of the major exploits of pure plant oil for Prodosor will be the production of biofuels.
AGRO & FOOD
The benefits of nature
The effects of the sunflower oil
Prodsor’s core business is the extraction of the sunflower seed oil. The oil obtained is 100% natural extract, nonchemically refined, using the first cold press process. This technique allows the oil to retain the natural antioxidant qualities and the essential nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.
The sunflower oil is an exceptional source of vitamins A,E, F, minerals and essential fatty acids. It has a high content of lecithin and it is essential for the toning of the nervous system; it stimulates the immune system and protects the heart. It helps to maintain the hormonal balance and cellular regeneration. Also, it is an excellent skin & hair moisturizer, antioxidant, stimulant, nutritious and revitalizing.
Prodsor’s market strategy is aimed at offering the consumer a product with all the beneficial effects of the cold pressed oil with its raw form nutritional qualities. The company is committed to convincing the consumer that the natural oil can retain all of its properties even throughout the cooking process. By introducing a new cooking oil brand under a largely descriptive name: “Zorian”, Prodsor wants to create a healthy alternative to conventional refined oil industry. Zorian is the newest product on the market. Nevertheless, the cold press oil may be also used in preparing other foods such as canned food.
It is ideal for salads in its raw form for dressings because of its consistency and special taste. Also, it is healthy even for baked or fried food.
200
tons of oil/month 25
The Tradition of Italian Tomatoes Processed with Passion FRANZESE Group, founded in 1970, is one of the leader Food Service and distribution groups pf tomatoes preserved foods in international business. Giaguaro SpA is the historical company of the group.
Giaguaro SpA developed from a local business, into a company
technologies, all according to Italian tradition and passion,
exporting its products worldwide, boasting today its presence
able to satisfy the most demanding customers. The company
in markets of more than 60 countries in the world.
has always given great importance to its high quality policy; consequently its plants work with a Certified Management
Giaguaro SpA, founded in 1978 located in the heart of the Agro
System, according to the ISO 9001, ISO 22005, ISO 11233,
Nocerino-Sarnese valley, a traditional area in the preserved
besides being conforming to the most important European
tomato production, is one of the Food Service leaders and
standards for food safety, such as BRC and IFS Food and the
distribution groups in international and national business.
Ethical one SA8000.
Over the years, from a local level, Giaguaro has become a world’s export industry. Nowadays, the factory in Sarno
The Franzese Group managing dynamism and the forty year
extends on a 105.000 m surface which 50.000 m covered and
experience in this field induced Franzese family to acquire in
produces tomatoes coming from farms - established partners
July 2008, by Effequattro SpA company, the historical plant
- located in mid-south Italy where the field characteristics
Cirio of Caivano (NA), extending on a 165.000 m2 surface
allow to get tomatoes unique in the world.
of which 50.000 m2 covered. Besides the plant ex Cirio,
2
2
Effequatro SpA also took over the technology belonging These special tomatoes are processed according to
to it, professional managers of the business operating in
the highest safety standards, using the best available
the production, maintenance and quality, and the hundred
Tel. +39 081 5136356 Fax +39 081 5136342 clienti@giaguarospa.com info@giaguarospa.com www.giaguarospa.com
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AGRO & FOOD
traditional Cirio know-how, thus keeping to produce
These targets have been reached thanks to the Franzese
according to the very high level standards consolidated in the
family perseverance, to the achievement and up-keeping of
long run. With such acquisition, Franzese Group increases
high quality standards, and to the organizational structure
the range of the references supplied to its own customers
improved in the years, and thanks to first level vocational
by introducing pasta sauces, vinegar (due to the presence of
figures too.
vinegar facilities in the plant) and, in the near future, pulses production and other products like chopped tomatoes in
Today, Giaguaro SpA produces tomatoes mainly coming from
aseptic bricks.
farms controlled by Franzese Group, located in mid-south Italy where the field characteristics allow to get first rate raw
In 2015, Vitale, historical Neapolitan brand, joins the family
materials. The later are produced by using the most updated
brands and is still active in the competitive scenario of the
available technologies which, along with the rooted Italian
South Italy by special references, along with the other brands
tradition in the field, result into the satisfaction of the most
acquired by the company.
demanding customers.
All this has been possible thanks to research, reaching in the
Franzese Group has always given great importance to the
years high quality standards, a structure aiming at innovation,
policy height quality; consequently their plants work with a
special focus upon our customers, a collaboration of top
certified management system according to the ISO 9001:2000
professional figures but above all the passion and tenacity of
norm, besides being conforming to the most important
the entrepreneur.
European standards for the food safety, such as BRC and IFS Food and boasting conformity certificates for pest
The passion and coherence in what we do are synonym of a
management control and biological production.
virtue and respect for those who believe in us. These Italian products are also present in Romania, through the local subsidiary, SC. Effedue SRL.
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Romanian Sheep, in Great Demand Abroad Sheep breeding in our country has been a tradition for centuries. This species best values pastures and meadows, of which much is in the mountain area. This is the reason which, along with the diversified production, makes sheep breeding a very important branch of animal husbandry, with such an old tradition.
Over the last recent years, the production of Romanian lamb has gained new momentum due to the excellent quality of meat. Thus, there has been more demand on the market. Moreover, sheep breeders in Romania have contributed most to the increase in meat production in Europe. As a result, according to some estimates, approximately 40% of the Romanian sheepmeat production is exported. Romania has had so far successful commercial relations with Jordan, Libya, Syria and Qatar.
Gheorghe Costin
Ecologic hedges Since 2010, the farm has shifted towards sheep breeding and beekeeping. As such, it leased land with natural hedges, on which no fertilizers were used, used for grazing animals. Many of these pastures are certified environmentally, so the hay produced by them is an organic feed. During winter time, sheep from the Pataprod farm are fed with this natural and healthy hay, and February to April is the breeding season for the sheep. Then for a month or two, the sheep and lambs are taken out to the grazing grounds.
1000 sheep farm One of the Transylvanian lamb breeders is Pataprod, a farm with
Each year, the farm produces 7-800 lambs, some of which remain on the farm to refresh herds, and some are sold.
over 1,000 sheep heads, with an average farm ranging between 100 and 400 sheep. The Pataprod farm began operating in
In order to be better represented and to be a real trading
2001, but it is the successor of another farm that started its
force, several sheep farmers in Transylvania established
activity in 1991. In the first phase, the farm was dedicated to
the Vlădeasa Association (named after the highest peak in
plant culture and hen growth. On the surrounding lease arable
the Apuseni Mountains, Transylvania). The Pataprod farm is
land, the farmers at Pataprod cultivated corn, barley, oats and
part of this association. In total, the Vlădeasa Association has
wheat, mainly used for animal feed on the farm.
150,000 sheep.
Gheorghe Costin Tel.: +40 0744 622 194 costingeo@gmail.com
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HISTORY&LEGACY AGRO & FOOD
“We believe that together we have enough expertise to export
Greece. The sheep’s total population in Romania is over 11
lambs and mutton. In addition, as an association, we are able
million head. Natural heritage is an important ecological
to obtain all the certifications and licenses required for such
asset that contributes to the well-being of mankind, including
an approach. Together, we can prepare significant batches for
the growth of traditional sheep breeds. The Romanian pasture
export”, said Gheorghe Costin, owner of the Pataprod farm.
area can feed 18 million sheep heads. Romania contributes decisively at EU level to a better use of natural resources and
Good to know
limiting the degradation of biodiversity. In Romania, sheep breeding and trading of products is also
Romania’s geographic conditions are favourable to sheep
supported at government level through a campaign and a
breeding. Two thirds of the relief are made up of hills and
caravan called “Choose the Sheep”.
mountains and about 33% of the total agricultural land is pastureland. There are traditional sheep farming areas, with the majority of the rural population engaged in this occupation. The sheep-rearing trend has led to the fact that Romania ranks fourth in the EU after the UK, Spain and
150.000
sheep raised by the farms in Vlădeasa Association
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Breeding Noble Horses, between Science and Art Romanians have been famous since the Middle Ages for their passion for race horses. Moldovan stud farms provided stallions and mares for cavalry units in the Ottoman Empire, Poland, Hungary, or the Habsburg Empire. At the same time, horses from Transylvania were renowned throughout Europe.
During the communist era, a so-called “horse holocaust” took place. In the name of the mechanization of agriculture, hundreds of thousands of horses were killed. However, in Romania were preserved herds that saved a valuable genetic heritage, and the breeding of horses was reborn after the fall of communism.
tradition of breeding these valuable animals. However, methods of artificial insemination of the mares have also been developed in recent years. Here in Cluj, we were among the first in the country to have used this technique, and the accumulated experience places the team of specialists in Cluj among the most experienced ones”, said Professor Iancu Morar.
Cluj has some of the best Romanian specialists in the equine veterinary field, which offers specialised services both in the country and abroad. Professor Iancu Morar of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj, the best qualified specialist in the field of breeding thoroughbred, who also founded and runs the Biovet Private Clinic.
The Cluj specialists collaborate internationally in this field with the best equine veterinarians in Europe. Thus, the breeding of racehorses goes beyond the field of art reserved for experienced breeders and enters the area of a top-level scientific approach.
“In Romania, there is still a passion for the traditional method of breeding race horses, which is a sign of attachment to the
Mob.: +40 722 328 007 Tel.: +40 264 425 734 iancumorar@gmail.com www.biovetcluj.ro
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Prof. Univ. Iancu Morar Phd., Founder
In addition to the expertise gained by equine veterinarians, another asset of Romania is represented by the fact that the most important genetic nuclei have been saved, which
LIFE SCIENCES
can represent a good source for repopulation of herds around the world. The most representative breeds are the Lipizzan, with two varieties: black and white, Furioso North Star and Gidran, which have in Romania unique genetic nuclei in the world from the perspective of their consolidation, Pure English Blood and Pure Arab Blood, Romanian Trotter, Nonius and Hucul pony. The Cluj experts are interested in sharing their experience with their partners around the world, including Jordan. Moreover, no exchanges of semen are excluded. These exchanges may involve both universitylevel and practitioner cooperation. The Biovet Clinic is one of the best equipped in Transylvania. It is not limited to the equine veterinary field. “We offer complex veterinary services for pets. Biovet has a modern diagnostic technique and highperformance medical imaging equipment. The Biovet team includes 12 doctors, some of whom are also involved in scientific research projects”, added Professor Iancu Morar. The Biovet Clinic was founded in 1995, with headquarters in Făget district of Cluj-Napoca, the capital city of Transylvania, at equal distance from Bucharest, Budapest and Belgrade. The clinic offers hospitalization for sick animals as well as ongoing medical emergency services. An important project is the creation of a veterinary ambulance service operating in the Cluj area, as well as the deepening of specialisations in the field of veterinary medicine. “The prospects for the future are very good, since the Biovet team veterinarians are very good professionals. Some of them have been trained in the clinic and have been working in this team for 20 years. The experience gained is a very valuable one. We have encouraged their specialisation in various fields of veterinary medicine, such as orthopaedics, oncology, dermatology or transfusions. Our physicians are encouraged to participate regularly in national and international symposia, workshops and conferences to keep up-to-date with the latest and best performing techniques used worldwide. Our goal is to be on the same level as the European and world elite”, says the founder of the Biovet Clinic. In the medium term, the clinic in Cluj is about to expand and make new investments to serve a wider range of clients. Biovet’s leadership also wants to expand the network of partnerships with similar clinics, including at international level.
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Drinkable Water,
Provided by InovAya Filters In 2012, Khaled Al Mezayen, CEO of InovAya went with his father, which is a Syrian doctor, to a field hospital in Northern Syria. He realized that “he was bringing the icing on the cake, but I there was no cake to put it on…”. Just imagine that you are already suffering and you don’t have any access to basic sanitation or hygiene, no water, nothing. That was the moment when he had the idea of creating a viable system which can produce clean water in almost any kind of environment. Khaled Al Mezayen created a first company in Romania and developed the SOWAT (System Open Water Advanced Technology) project which has now an international recognition (UKAid official provider for water filtration devices for humanitarian emergencies). He wanted to go further and created InovAya, and has now two offices, one in Lyon (France) and one in Sibiu (Romania). InovAya is a specialist in water innovative solutions designed for small communities, development aid sector and emergency situations. Its professional and multi-sector team benefits from the extensive experience of our partners (over 20 years) in water treatment and water filtration. The team designs and implements turnkey projects, while helping the partners to fund their water access projects. InovAya believes in human dignity and equal access to basic services for every community in the world. This is why the company designs and offers the best solutions, adapted
Phd. Khaled Al Mezayen 92 cours LAFAYETTE Chez Mama Works 69003 Lyon, France 20A Ștrandului St., ap. 8 Sibiu, Romania Tel.: +33 674 337 299 info@inovaya.eu www.inovaya.eu
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Khaled Al Mezayen, Founder
to specific needs. InovAya contributes to empower the community toward self-sustainability. In 2018, InovAya is developing 12 major projects in Nigeria, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt and Romania, impacting over 65,000 people. These filters are innovative because of their sustainability according to any ecologic standards. The price to produce clean water with these filters is around 2 Euros per year per person, saving 300 kg of plastic per day, and avoiding consumables and chemicals, which means less pollution. One of the greatest assets is the 10-year warranty of these filters. InovAya works with recognized partners such as Pipeco, SD Eau and Polymem.
LIFE SCIENCES
INOVAYA C1000-203 Š
Community or family needs INOVAYA C1000-203 is a filtration system designed to adapt to all situations and is made of cutting-edge technologies. Equipped with filters, it provides drinkable water through a physical filtration process without the use of chemicals, reverse osmosis or UVC. One of the advantage of this system is that the filters do not retain the minerals present in water. INOVAYA C1000-203 has been developed by an European team of researchers, pharmacists and specialists in crisis situations. It offers a new solution to better solve crisis situations (refugee camps, natural disasters, etc.) and produces perfectly clean water from any source of water. This system has four filtering stages transforming polluted or infected water into drinkable water. In the first step, large particles found in the water, such as sand, are removed. In the second stage, the bacteria are removed by polarization thanks to a filter made of recycled glass. The third filter is made of activated carbon. The water, which has already been cleaned through successive steps, flows through a fourth filter. This filter, developed in partnership with a French company, is so powerful that it stops particles with a diameter above 10 nanometers. At this stage, viruses are also removed, which have a maximum diameter of 20 nanometers. INOVAYA C1000-203 has been designed for the use of communities. It is a unique modular filtration system which transforms unsafe water sources into clean drinkable water. This system can be used by up to 20,000 people and can clean up to 20 m3/hour. It is made for fresh water sources and is a long-lasting solution without consumables or added chemicals needed. Another system is available for family use: INOVAYA F1.6 120L. It even works for contaminated piping systems and can be directly connected to the tap. This filtration system can produce 120 liters of drinkable water per day, meeting the needs of 1 to 6 persons.
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Reasearch and Technology at the Highest Level The National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies is the only national institute for research and development in the northwestern region of Romania.
Eng. Adrian Bot, PHD, General manager President of Cluster TREC
Having facilities at European standards the institute offers a favourable environment for young people who aspire to a research career in mass spectrometry, chromatography and ion physics, physics of nano-structured systems, molecular and biomolecular physics and technology of stable isotopes, energy. The Center for Research and Advanced Technologies for Alternative Energies – CETATEA as part of the National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies (INCDTIM) Cluj-Napoca was successfully opened on 11th November 2015. Its mission is to develop complex solutions for electric power generation from alternative sources, in 15-40 kW range, to off grid power the isolated farms and farmhouses situated in remote areas, with no access to the national electricity network. Up to the present, the research interest area of this Center is focused on solar energy conversion through photovoltaic cells and on wind energy conversion. The perspective is to integrate the research capacity of CETATEA Center with new research areas: concentrated solar energy, energy storage in gases and in lead-acid batteries, as well as by creating the critical mass of researchers needed for efficient research activity of the Center.
Concentrated solar energy conversion through thermo-energetic machine tools Eng. Adrian Bot, PHD General manager President of Cluster TREC; Adrian.Bot@itim-cj.ro Eng. Emanoil Surducan, PHD Director of the Center for Research and Advanced Technologies for Alternative Energies – CETATEA; manu@itim-cj.ro
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Design, testing and optimization of energy production prototype systems using alternative energy sources. The systems are designed mainly for off-grid operation to provide energy for small groups of consumers. Their main characteristics are scalability and adaptable modularity to client needs and existing local energy resources (solar, wind, biomass, etc.). In addition to electrical energy the systems also provide domestic hot water (by cogeneration).
LIFE SCIENCES Energy recovery from electromagnetic pollution (electrosmog) The rapid prototyping laboratory is indented for design and manufacturing of electronic prototypes. The technological line allows the design of the electronic schematic and printed circuit board (PCB) and generation/ conversion to specific machine files, true holes electroplating and PCB layer structuring using CNC plotter.
The irradiated plants were exposed continuously to low intensity 915 MHz electromagnetic radiation, corresponding to environmental irradiation levels measured for moderately used GSM networks (10 mW m−2). The presence of electrosmog induces an increase in the plant height, total dry mass of the stems and leaves and total dry root mass. Electrosmog absorption in plant canopies proves to be a viable method to reduce the electromagnetic pollution level (in this case, a 30 cm thick plant canopy attenuated the incident radiation by approx. 75%).
Evaluation of the effects of electrosmog on crop growth of a common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Energy recovery from vibrations and ambiental noises The Larson Davis Noise Tutor is an integrated solution, ideally suited to address the challenges of remote noise monitoring in an efficient and cost effective package. Soundbook™ is a universal portable measuring system for acoustic, vibration and engineering measurements.
water flow may vary with the river flow, this means that on the fish ladder we will have different servitude flows, sometimes more than needed. We propose to demonstrate that the ‘winter intake’ from micro-hydro power plant, could be automated with an intelligent system which is capable to read some imposed data and adjust the flow in to the needed value. With this automation concept we demonstrate that the performance of the micro-hydro power plant could increase, in some flow operating regimes, with approx. 10%.
Wind energy recovered from the street airflow Our purpose to investigate the street airflow from the city, and convert it in clean energy. In this respect, our institute purchase a wind turbine with vertical blades, with an installed capacity of 5Kw, Aeolos-V.
Solution to increase the produced power in microhydro power plant Our research presents a study concerning optimization of water flow capture for micro-hydro power plants in order to increase the energy production. It is known that the fish ladder whole, were the water is capture is fix, and the
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Sympas
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UASVMCN, a University for the Future The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj-Napoca (UASVMCN) is the successor of the prestigious superior agricultural school from Cluj, founded almost 150 years ago, in October 1869 as the Institute of Agronomic Education Cluj-Mănăştur. In 1906, the Institute was elevated to the Academy rank, becoming the Academy of Agriculture Cluj. Currently, UASVMCN is one of the most reputed university of Romania. Internationally, UASVMCN is part of the European Universities Association, being evaluated by it in 2003. UASVMCN aims as a primary mission to promote excellence in education, advanced research, competitiveness, innovation and technology transfer through BA, Master, PhD and postgraduate academic training through a continuous educational track, advanced research and integration in a circuit of universal values in accordance with the requirements of a knowledge-based society, in order to strengthen the entrepreneurial university connected to the economic and social environment. Due to its performance, the university was ranked one of the 12 best Romanian universities with “Advanced research and education” (Class A). The institution enrolls approx. 6,500 students, including over 950 masters and 280 PhD students), an average of 550 employees (teachers, researchers, staff) and has an international recognition in the field of life sciences: Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Engineering and Environmental Protection, Food Science and Technology, Animal Science and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine. The university includes five faculties, other research units (Didactic and Research Farm, Veterinary Hospital, experimental lands), library, student dormitories, cafeteria, technical and
3-5 Mănăștur St. Cluj-Napoca Tel.: +40 264 596 384 Fax: +40 264 593 792 contact@usamvcluj.ro www.usamvcluj.ro
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administrative services, practice and leisure grounds and social services. From the standpoint of research and technology transfer activities, the university includes 3 major research infrastructures (Institute for Life Sciences ”King Mihai I of Romania”, Institute for Biodiversity Research, Advanced Horticultural Research Institute of Transylvania), 1 veterinarian hospital, 12 authorized research centers, 22 accredited research laboratories and provides basic and applied research, innovation and technology transfer, social and technical consultancy (sustainable rural development, technical engineering, rural economy, agro-tourism etc.) both for its own students and employees and for farmers and other business companies related to its competences. UASVM has implemented more than 40 projects from structural funds granted by European Union and more than 250 research grants in the past 5 years.
EDUCATION
Our university is a member of several innovative clusters (in the fields of agriculture, social integration, renewable energy, information technology, “innovation city”, environment, food etc.), getting involved in many value chains and maintains close relationships with many business companies in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, food technology, veterinary medicine and in the field of sustainable rural economic development, and develop together activities for the exchange of experiences, practical activities with our students, internship, but especially develop skills, techniques, knowledge and entrepreneurial competences. UASVM has established and developed its own TTO named Center for Project Management (CPM), through which implements strategic projects and institutionally ensures the management of their implementation, promotes and develops activities of innovation and technology transfer in accordance with the strategy and the priorities of the university. In terms of research, development, innovation and technology transfer, the university followed the general directions of research, development, innovation and technology transfer promoted by the European Commission (2014) and has taken and implemented these measures in the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation 2014-2020. Thus, nationwide, Romania has defined four areas of smart specialization: bioeconomy, information technology and
communications, space and security, energy, environment and climate change and eco-nano-technologies and advanced materials. This visit aims to investigate the opportunity and need for the UASVMCN to develop and to diversify the activity of the CPM, to increase research outputs, innovation and technology transfer in sustainable development of agriculture in the North-West Region of Romania.
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PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED WITH EUROPEAN FUNDS
If we review the output and result indicators for the projects developed by our university (in the past 7 years), we can draw the following results: Over 16 mil. EUR attracted to the university budget; Over 700 purchased and installed research equipment; Almost 50 new research laboratories, in addition to the about 100 previously existing ones; 323 PhDs and postdocs trained in a field of applied research; 1.760 scientific articles published in international databases (1663 BDI & 97 ISI articles); Over 400 presentations at national and international scientific conferences; Over 60 outgoing mobilities within the EU in know-how transfer activities; Over 45 PhDs employed one year after the project completion; 5 “Career Days” events (Participants 3.941) and 7 “Open Doors” events (4,420 Participants) to support the insertion of graduates in the labor market; More than 36 transnational partners.
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A little taste of Transylvania from 570 euro/person
In the heart of Romania lies Transylvania, a place that immediately brings to mind the legend of Count Dracula. While the legend is certainly intriguing and a real tourist attraction, the region has much more to offer. Some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns such as Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu are located here. Visitors can marvel at Transylvania’s unique architectural treasures such as castles, fortified churches and centuries-old houses, and explore sites where more than 900 years ago Saxon craftsmen and merchants built powerful and rich citadels.
The tour:
Included:
Start city: Bucharest End city: Bucharest Duration: 7 days, 6 nights Transportation: by bus/minivan with an assigned driver and authorized guide, or individual (we can offer a rent-a-car service) Highlights: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Rasnov Citadel, Viscri, Sighisoara, Biertan, Sibiu, Cozia Monastery, Bucharest Recommended season: from late March to early October
• 6 night BB accomodation in 4* hotel • Transportation with minibus • Authorised English speaking guide
Not included: • Lunch, dinner • Entrance fee for the touristic sights • Other personal expenses *Price is for one person in double room *Price is valid for a group of 12 people
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Str. Republicii, Nr. 10, Cluj-Napoca
0726 300 897
www.wens.ro
Highlands Travel Jordan & Jerusalem Highlands Travel Jordan & Jerusalem is an independent travel agency based in Jordan & Jerusalem that provides customized vacation packages, travel services for business travel or leisure travel through a knowledgeable and professional team.
Ahmad Sarhan, CEO
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Highlands Travel aims to be to be a trusted partner, delivering secure, value for money managed travel programs with a focus on exceptional personal service expertise and innovative business models. The vision of this company is to be the most innovative business travel solutions provider to empower our
HISTORY&LEGACY TRAVEL
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Enjoy the Adventure, Biblical, Honeymoon and Classical Programs in Jordan, Holyland, Egypt & Turkey.
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Weddings
À la carte
Fagului St. 87, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Phone: 0726 689 933
Private