Mar 29, 2007 (U.S. Embassy in Bucharest)
During a meeting at the American-Romanian Chamber of Commerce, March 28, 2007, the U.S. Ambassador in Bucharest said that the recent country’s political turmoil might harm future investments prospects. Mr. Taubman asked Romania to continue to make progress on key areas like justice reform and in fighting corruption.
Released today by the U.S. Embassy, the transcript of Mr. Taubman’s remarks read as it follows:
"It is my pleasure to greet you on the occasion of the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania’s Extraordinary General Meeting. This marks my second General Meeting and it is my honor to be here with you tonight and to have this opportunity to once again salute Romania’s vibrant business community.
Now that Romania has become a member of the European Union, expectations are rising. One only has to look at the 7 consecutive years of economic growth to see what tremendous business opportunities there are here.
We believe that Romania can and will meet the challenges it faces as a new member of the European Union, just as it has embraced the ideas of freedom and democracy not only for itself, but for others as well. Amcham Romania undoubtedly assisted Romania on its path to NATO membership and EU accession, and I know that it will continue to play the kind of leadership role it has in the past. The US Embassy looks forward to continuing its long and fruitful relationship with you.
We want more American businesses to come and contribute to Romania’s growth. We have encouraged many American companies to look this way. That includes major players like Microsoft, which recently opened its European Technical Support Center here; Delta, which will launch direct Bucharest – New York flights in June; and Starbucks, which will soon open its first coffee house here in Bucharest.
But only Romania can create a positive investment climate.
Romania’s many friends are prepared to help it continue to strengthen its democratic institutions. We realize that this is a long road and that Romania has made much progress. But we need to be realistic and recognize that the recent political turmoil in Bucharest has raised doubts beyond Romania’s borders about whether this is the right place at the moment to pursue investment opportunities. People in private industry and in government are asking a lot of questions about Romania, trying to understand where the country is headed. What I know for certain is that it is very important for Romania to continue to make progress on key areas like justice reform and in fighting corruption. Losing traction on these reforms would not send the right signal to Romania’s partners. We can only hope that things settle down, sooner rather than later, and that the Romanian government can get back to the business of governing in the interest of all Romanians.
The AmCham’s success in Romania also underscores our belief that a business institution can earn respect and influence through adhering to the principals of transparency and honest business, a steadfast refusal to bow to corruption coupled with a dedication to the ethical government/business partnership. We cooperate closely with AmCham because we know the members are committed to the highest standards of conduct in business.
Congratulations and well done to those exiting the Board of Directors of AmCham and best of luck to the newly elected members. Thank you, Roberto for all of your contributions. Count on the US Embassy to continue to work with you at Amcham in establishing a level playing field for all businesses so that Romania can fulfill its highest potential as a prosperous, innovative, and stable member of the club of western democracies."
U.S. Embassy in Romania – Press Release
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