Publicat pe 13/10/2025

Bucharest, October 13, 2025: The President of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR), Mr. Mihai Daraban, participated on October 13 in an official meeting with the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, held at the Austrian Embassy headquarters in Bucharest. The event also benefited from the presence of Ms. Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Romanian Government.

At the opening of the meeting, the CCIR President, Mr. Mihai Daraban, addressed the importance of developing transport on the Danube, emphasizing that “Romania, Serbia, and Austria are the most interested in developing this transport corridor, but it is essential to bring all Danubian countries to the discussion table. We must learn from the Rhine’s example and make the Danube a navigable artery 365 days a year. Practically, we must transform the Danube into a true ‘highway.’ The largest convoy on the Danube can transport approximately 12,000 tons of goods—capacity equivalent to dozens of trucks or train wagons. This is a major competitive advantage that we must exploit to the maximum. In the context of Ukraine’s reconstruction, the development of Danubian infrastructure becomes even more relevant for ensuring safe and efficient transport routes. It is a strategic opportunity that we must not miss.”

Regarding Ukraine’s reconstruction process, Ms. Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that this is “a strategic priority for Austria and a major cooperation opportunity with Romania. Your country plays a crucial logistical role in this process, serving as a strategic hub for access to Ukraine, either through the Danube or through the Black Sea. Therefore, our bilateral cooperation is more important than ever. We must be clear: the reconstruction effort cannot be sustained exclusively by European taxpayers. We need active involvement from the private sector. This is not just a fiscal necessity, but also a significant economic opportunity for companies from both countries. Together, Austria and Romania can play a decisive role in the reconstruction and future development of Ukraine.

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