Romania receives significant direct investments from France, amounting to approximately 12.9 billion euros.
In the realm of international economic relations, France and Romania continue to forge a strong and evolving bond. According to the French Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Romania (CCIFER), the current state of French investment, trade, and partnerships with Romania paints a picture of a robust and dynamic economic partnership.
## French Investments in Romania
As the third-largest foreign investor in Romania, France's investment position is substantial, with direct investments exceeding EUR 12.9 billion[1][3]. This investment has not only bolstered the Romanian economy but also generated approximately 125,000 direct jobs[1][3]. The French business community in Romania is diverse, encompassing a wide range of entities, from large corporations to startups, universities, and NGOs, totaling 600 members[1][3].
## Bilateral Trade Between France and Romania
Last year, bilateral trade between France and Romania reached EUR 11.6 billion, with France maintaining its position as Romania's fourth-largest trading partner[1][3]. Trade is largely intra-sectoral and intra-group, reflecting a close technological collaboration. Notably, trade in agri-food and pharmaceuticals intensified last year.
## Partnerships and Future Directions
In 2025, CCIFER accelerated the Franco-Romanian partnership through a public-private dialogue, focusing on areas such as nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and energy security[1][3]. The partnership aims to combine sustainability with competitiveness and economic stability on the path to a net-zero economy, as emphasised by CCIFER president Nicolas Richard[1][3].
CCIFER's initiatives, such as the Business Marathon, which reached 16 cities, 200 companies, and 1,000 participants in 2024, further underscore the organisation's commitment to fostering growth and collaboration. Moreover, CCIFER connected 500 young people to the labor market through EU-funded education programs.
Looking ahead, potential growth is expected in IT, electrical equipment, and the textile industry. As of current, 4,150 companies in Romania have majority French capital, supported by a robust network of SMEs and subsidiaries of major international groups.
In conclusion, France remains a crucial economic partner for Romania, contributing significantly to the country's economic transformation and development. The focus of this dialogue, as outlined by CCIFER, is on fields such as nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and energy security, with the aim of ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for both nations.
- The substantial investment by France in Romania, primarily in industries like business, finance, and agriculture, has created approximately 125,000 direct jobs and totaled 600 members within the French business community.
- The partnership between France and Romania, as envisioned by CCIFER, is aimed at expanding into fields like nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and energy security, with a focus on ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for both nations, particularly in sectors such as IT, electrical equipment, and the textile industry.
