German investors find Romania more attractive than Hungary, investments reach EUR 5.6 bln

Romania is more attractive than Hungary, Bulgaria or Ukraine in the eyes of German investors, but comes out below the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Lithuania and Latvia in their preferences, according to a recent survey by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK Romania). German investments to Romania were at EUR 5.6 billion at the end of last year, according to data from the Central Federal Bank. Around 90 percent of those surveyed would choose Romania again for their investments. “Despite some problems, investors' expectations were met. Some 54 percent of those surveyed believe their company is in a satisfying condition, while 42 percent say the condition is just 'good'. Most believe this will stay the same in 2012,” according to a statement from the AHK Romania. The survey covered 49 companies with AKH Romania membership, mostly for trade and services. This was part of a wider survey in Central and Eastern Europe of German companies that covered 1,300 firms. So far, German firms have invested some EUR 105 billion in the region, one tenth of total German foreign direct investments. Among the advantages of the region are the workforce potential. The survey shows Romania's salaries, despite having increased, are still low compared to Germany. editor@romania-insider.com (photo source: sxc.hu)