Romania is redefining its economic positioning in Asia, with India emerging as one of the most promising strategic directions for growth. The INRO Business Summit 2025, organized by the Union of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce Romania–India (UBCCR), was the first event to go beyond intentions and declarations, offering a concrete framework for business connections between companies from both countries.
Discussions extended beyond trade, laying the groundwork for partnerships in agriculture, food processing, logistics, professional training, and labor mobility. The summit clearly showed that Romania is no longer a passive observer in international relations but an active partner with a clear offering and real implementation capacity.
We spoke with Shiva Munjal, President of UBCCR, about the summit’s outcomes, immediate plans, and how Romania can turn this opportunity into solid economic infrastructure.
Reporter: Ms. Munjal, what is the true significance of the INRO 2025 Summit in the context of Romania–India economic relations?
Shiva Munjal: The summit was more than a symbolic gathering – it was a practical working platform. Our goal was to directly connect the business communities of both countries, with a focus on execution rather than formal speeches. We explored concrete partnerships, investments, and impactful projects. Romania came well-prepared with a competitive and clearly defined offer, and India responded with openness and strategic interest.
Reporter: Which sectors do you see as having the highest collaboration potential?
Shiva Munjal: We’ve identified strong bilateral interest in key industries: agriculture, food processing, FMCG, logistics, tourism, and knowledge transfer. Additionally, qualified human resources remain a major priority. Romania needs a skilled labor force, and India can provide a significant pool of well-trained candidates eager to integrate.
Reporter: UBCCR announced a partnership with Neophron International and the Eurodeal Training Center. What is the scope of this collaboration?
Shiva Munjal: It’s a concrete and strategic project, developed in partnership with Neophron International, a company with deep expertise in international recruitment and professional integration. Neophron is the lead initiator of this initiative and our key Romanian partner, alongside Eurodeal, an accredited vocational training center.
The objective is to launch training and qualification programs for Indian citizens, starting with the HoReCa sector: chefs, waiters, bartenders, housekeeping staff. All courses will be EU-accredited and officially recognized, ensuring participants receive complete professional training and support for cultural and linguistic integration.
Reporter: You mentioned a paradigm shift during the summit. What does that mean in practical terms?
Shiva Munjal: It means moving from symbolic presence to actionable economic engagement. Romania is strategically repositioning itself in Asia, and India is one of its most solid directions. We’re not just talking about exports, but about bilateral investments, market access, and industrial cooperation. UBCCR acts as an economic engine, not a symbolic representative body.
Reporter: How was Romania’s presence perceived at both official and business levels?
Shiva Munjal: Exceptionally well. Romania’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Senna Latif, delivered a clear message: Romania is building real partnerships based on trust and vision.
From India, there were government officials, members of parliament, and business leaders. On the Romanian side, top companies were present, including:
- Casa Timiș
- Cotnari
- Cris-Tim
- Boromir
- Sergiana
- Agora Petfood
- Coca-Cola India
A key contributor to the development of these partnerships is Neophron International SRL, which has initiated concrete projects in recruitment, training, and labor mobility – including the partnership with Eurodeal.
Reporter: What are the next steps from UBCCR’s perspective?
Shiva Munjal: A next edition of the summit in Bucharest is already being planned. However, the real priority is implementing the discussed projects. We expect the first contracts to be signed in the coming months. UBCCR will continue to facilitate dialogue between entrepreneurs, investors, and authorities to ensure the bilateral economic flow becomes consistent, scalable, and sustainable.
Reporter: What message would you send to the Romanian business community?
Shiva Munjal: India is a market of over one billion consumers, highly dynamic, and with genuine demand for high-quality European products. Romania already has the key assets: technology, excellence in agri-food, and industrial experience.
The opportunity window is now. Those who act today will gain a clear first-mover advantage. UBCCR is here to offer concrete support to any Romanian entrepreneur aiming to enter or expand in the Asian market.
Source: afaceri365.eu
