Building trust and influence in Romania – essential strategies for foreign investors

Romania has been an attractive investment destination in Europe, thanks to its strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and dynamic economy with significant growth potential. However, despite these advantages, foreign investors may find navigating the political landscape and regulatory complexities a challenge

The country is actively encouraging foreign investment, offering attractive state aid programs to attract capital, particularly in high-priority sectors such as energy, technology, and manufacturing. These incentives present great opportunities, but they come with conditions. Projects that exceed specific thresholds or touch on EU and national priorities are subject to intense scrutiny.

Entering a market defined by unique political and cultural dynamics requires a tailored approach to managing your narrative. Successfully engaging with officials, media, and other stakeholders demands a thoughtful, culturally aware strategy.

For large-scale investment projects, a well-calibrated communications and public affairs strategy is essential to ensure a successful market entry in Romania. When it comes to government and institutional interaction, lobbying is still vastly unregulated in Romania, while engaging with public officials is an accepted practice, supported by mechanisms integral to the democratic process.

Managing media attention: when your investment becomes news

Foreign investment projects often attract considerable attention from both the media and political circles, even before market entry decisions are made. The promise of new capital, job creation, or transformative projects is a compelling story for journalists and officials alike.

However, this media spotlight also raises the stakes. From day one, your intentions, values, and business plans will be closely examined. Managing public perceptions early on is crucial, as controlling your narrative could be the difference between celebrated success and avoidable setbacks, emphasizing the importance of media management for international business and effective public affairs for foreign investors in Romania.

Establishing strategic relationships and partnerships

Building trust as a foreign investor in Romania is an ongoing, proactive process. Local stakeholders - government officials, media, and business partners - need to believe in your ability to deliver, your intentions, and your commitment to the market.

Building this trust requires a strategic and thoughtful approach, including:

• Transparent communication: Clearly articulate your business goals, values, and the benefits your investment brings to Romania. Transparency builds credibility and prevents misunderstandings.

• Proactive stakeholder engagement: Build relationships with institutional decision-makers, media and industry leaders. Engaging early allows you to shape the narrative around your investment.

• Culturally aware messaging: Tailor your communications to reflect Romania’s political and cultural nuances, ensuring your messages resonate with local stakeholders and align with their expectations.

• Media preparedness: Be ready to manage media interest with a clear and consistent narrative that positions your investment as beneficial to the community and aligned with national priorities.

•  Local partnerships: Build a network of experts who can introduce you to professionals and organizations across various sectors, so you can grow and expand your operations seamlessly.

Expert communications and public affairs services for foreign investors in Romania

With over 25 years of experience advising international firms on high-stakes engagement strategies in Romania, we are a trusted partner for foreign investors. From crafting your narrative to building influence with key stakeholders, we offer the expertise to navigate this dynamic market successfully.

Our experience spans key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and technology, with a strong focus on Romania’s energy sector - ranging from oil & gas to green hydrogen and electric mobility.

For a deeper dive into energy investment opportunities, explore the Investor’s Guide developed by the Romanian American Institute for Smart Energy (RAISE), featuring insights from market leaders. Our founder, Ruxandra Mateescu, who has advised on some of Romania’s most significant investment transactions, shares her views on strategic communication and public affairs for foreign investors entering the market.

If you're considering expanding into Romania, we're here to help you build trust and position your business for sustained success in one of Europe's most promising markets.

Ready to make your mark in Romania? Let’s get started.