Romania to launch bonds on US market

Romania will launch at least one bond issue on the international markets in 2004 and is considering selling bonds on the US market, as well, which has a greater impact on the rating agencies, Cristian Popa (photo), vice-governor of the National Bank of Romania, said in Dubrovnik. “We must keep a constant presence. A bond issue on the US market may also have a non-monetary benefit. The presence on the US market and getting the attention of the American investors may be a creative pressure to improve the country rating,” Popa said. Although a bond issue on the US market may imply additional costs, Popa claims Romania could take advantage of the lower interests and of the American investors’ “appetite”. ZF