Publicat pe 01/11/2018

Bucharest, November 1^st, 2018: The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) in collaboration with the US Embassy in Bucharest organized on November 1 the Food and Water Security Forum, an event that takes place in the Indagra Trade Fair, ongoing at Romexpo.

The main themes of the discussion on the Forum’s agenda relate to national security strategies to ensure food and water resources for disaster survival. At the same time, the aim is to promote the rehabilitation of the irrigation channels, the modernization of the water dams and the reduction of the flood risks, as well as the increase in the yield of agricultural production and the development of Romania’s foreign trade potential.

The President of CCIR, Mr. Mihai Daraban, recalled the involvement of CCIR in the promotion of Romanian companies in all areas of activity, “but if we are referring to the agricultural sector, Indagra undoubtedly is by far the largest exhibition manifestation,” said President Daraban. “We have to focus on the colossal potential of the United States for Romania, both economically and strategically. It is a country with a GDP of 2 thousand billion dollars over the European Union, with an economy based on innovation and research where we have so much to learn. (…) Romanian agriculture, with all the pre-technology that we are present at the fair (Indagra), for so many years does not exceed 4.4 or 4.5% of GDP. Agriculture should be monitored from the point of view of GDP and less by production per hectare, “said CCIR President, Mr. Mihai Daraban.

H.E. Ambassador of the United States to Romania, Hans Klemm said: “One of my priorities as an ambassador of the United States of America to Romania is to promote prosperity and boost trade between Romanian and American companies. I take this opportunity to thank Mr. Daraban for the exceptional partnership and effort in organizing events that promote bilateral relations between the two states. Since I have been traveling to Romania, I have noticed the enormous potential of agriculture. In the past, Braila was an important city in terms of agricultural markets, as Chicago is now. The wheat price was set in Braila. Agricultural productivity in Romania, compared to the European Union or even the rest of the world, shows the enormous potential that can be improved with the help of technology. “

“We are attending an extremely important meeting today with a formidable theme, namely our intrinsic, organized and determined relationship between water and food. As Ambassador Hans Klemm said, Romania has resources, has the potential, has the level of knowledge and the correct interpretation of the stages that we must go through so that success can come to him at home and be measured in winning for each and the national pride for all, “said Mr. Petre Daea, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Mr. Ioan Deneş, the Minister of Waters and Forests, said: “The theme of this forum is very important especially in the context of climate change, which is becoming more and more obvious. Romania has suffered great losses from year to year due to the effects of global warming. Including this year, a massive waterfall has caused huge damage to agricultural land. In this context, the management and security of water resources have become absolute priorities for authorities to protect the lives of millions of people.”

The event was also attended by Tudor Buzatu – State Secretary, Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for the Implementation of Strategic Partnerships of Romania, Daniel Botanoiu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Alexandru Stănescu, Chairman – Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Food Industry and Specific Services of the Chamber of Deputies, Costel Şoptică – Chairman, Parliamentary Commission on Waters, Forests, Fishing and Hunting in the Senate and Ms. Nicoleta Pauliuc, Vice-President, Parliamentary Commission for Defense, Public Order and National Security of the Senate, Greg O’Connor, Commercial Counselor for South Eastern Europe, US Embassy in Romania

Background

Romania has the 6th largest agricultural area used among EU countries and is among the top 10 world wheat and maize exporters. The total agricultural area is about 14 million hectares. For agriculture, over € 6.5 billion was earmarked for 2017-2018 by August 2018, with € 5.62 billion absorbed. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries had a share of 4.4% of GDP and recorded a significant increase in activity volume of 18.3% in the first quarter of 2018.

Romania has access to over one billion dollars from the national budget for the rehabilitation of the main infrastructure of irrigation channels and over 10 billion dollars from the European structural funds for rural development.