AmCham sees better than expected response from authorities, focuses on taxation, labor, education

The American Chamber of Commerce in Romania, which has submitted around 34 papers to the Romanian authorities this year, proposing changes in various business fields, has seen the authorities using its proposals above its initial expectations. AmCham's proposals have been used in the renewable energy field, as well as on taxation and on workforce, according to Anca Harasim, executive director of AmCham. “Our proposals were included, not necessarily fully, but at least the areas we pointed out were tackled. The result was above our expectations,” said Sorin Mindrutescu, AmCham Romania president (in picture). Changes in taxation, on the labor segment and on education are among priorities for AmCham in 2011, seens as central elements for both Romania’s economic recovery and its increased attractiveness for foreign investments. According to AmCham, Romania should rather focus on increasing the tax collection before going into changing the taxes themselves, said Ionut Simion, head of AmCham's taxation committee and partner with PwC Romania. Fiscal modernization is also among the advocary priorities for AmCham Romania next year. AmCham Romania emphasized the current negotiations for the next EU Financial Perspective 2014-2020 and the need for Romania to have a related official position, given the significant impact of the key principles under negotiation on our country’s financial package. AmCham has also called for coherent efforts to strengthen Romania’s competitiveness in the region and at the EU level. AmCham Romania represents more than 300 members – U.S., international and local companies with total investment over USD 10 billion and more than 150.000 jobs created during its last 17 years of activity. editor@romania-insider.com