Micula, European Drinks: We need access to credits and state incentives

Viorel Micula, who, together with his brother holds the European Food & Drinks group, with around one billion euros in annual turnover, says Romania needs to develop its industry and exports in order to restart the economy. “The state has to support the large Romanian companies in the industry because they have created thousands of jobs and have also provided work for smaller firms. They now need access to advantageous loans and to incentives from the state. Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming mere consumers and becoming dependent on foreign investors,” Micula said. The owners of European Food & Drinks, a group with over 8,000 employees, say they could be forced to lay off “thousands of employees” due to the worsened economic environment. Current estimates point to a 3-4% decline of the economy this year, i.e. minus 12 million euros.