A Fresh Perspective on Business Confidence in Romania's Landscape
In 2025, geopolitical developments outdo all expectations. What's the perspective of Romania's business industry towards H1 2025? The twelfth installment of CONFIDEX sets sail.
Step right up and lend your voice to the ongoing discussion about Romania's economic prospects—it's time to complete the CONFIDEX 12 survey before March 28! This survey, now in its 12th edition, has been measuring business leaders' confidence in Romania's economy for the last five years. The private equity funds ROCA, Agista, and CITR, a major player in Romania's insolvency and restructuring market, are backing this study.
During the second half of 2024, the confidence index remained somewhat steady, measuring 52. However, unexpected elements are shaping up on the geopolitical landscape as the year begins. These elements might stir up some caution within the business environment, especially with the upcoming presidential elections in Romania. That being said, the potential reconstruction of Ukraine, strategic investments in the region, and the close of presidential elections could bring fresh waves of confidence and opportunities for the local business scene.
Andrei Cionca, co-founder of private equity funds ROCA and Agista, and the initiator of the CONFIDEX study, shares his perspective: "For five years, CONFIDEX has developed from a mere confidence indicator into a true reflection of business reality, demonstrating the vigor of Romanian entrepreneurs. With the participation of over 4,000 business leaders, we are jointly constructing a sturdy economy, where optimism remains a crucial catalyst for development."
Despite a steady GDP growth albeit at a slower pace, concerns about the future of the local economy and the evolution of their own companies surfaced towards the end of 2024. Only 29% of participating managers expressed optimism about the Romanian economy, a decrease from the 34% recorded in the previous semester. Yet, official figures show that the inflation rate softened compared to previous years, declining from 7% in 2023 to 5.1%, and Romania GDP reached a record high of 1.7 trillion lei in 2024.
Sales growth, employee retention, improving customer relations, and access to financing were the priorities expressed by the business environment in the second half of 2024. Although 1 in 3 managers surveyed for H2 2025 anticipated a decrease in Romania's GDP, unemployment slightly increased, in line with the expectations of 49% of business leaders, with the unemployment rate at 5.7%.
Overall, the CONFIDEX index saw its lowest point during the pandemic period but has been on the road to recovery, reaching 52.5 in H1 2023 and maintaining a similar value in H2 2024. To delve deeper into Romania's business confidence as measured by the CONFIDEX 12 survey, it's advisable to consult reports from local organizations conducting such surveys or local business associations. Comparing these survey results with actual economic data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in Romania will provide a comprehensive view of the current economic situation.
So, are you ready to have a say in shaping the Romanian economy's future? Get your opinions heard in the CONFIDEX Study: A Snapshot of Confidence in the Romanian Economy!
*This is a revised press release.
- The ongoing survey, the CONFIDEX 12, which is backed by private equity funds like ROCA and Agista, delves into the intersection of finance, business, and politics, offering a snapshot of confidence in Romania's economic landscape.
- As the presidential elections approach, the talks about Romania's economic prospects, particularly business confidence, are gaining traction in the general-news sphere, with the CONFIDEX study playing a significant role in these discussions.
