Trade Mission to Bucharest: growth a bonus

This Trade Mission from 11-13 September highlighted the relevance and quality of the Monaco networks involved. The concert given by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the George Enescu festival set the seal on the success of the Monegasque presence in Romania, a country that has enjoyed steady growth in recent years.

Comprising 15 people including seven entrepreneurs from the Principality, the Monaco delegation did a remarkable job given the tight schedule led by the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) and its Monaco Chamber of Commerce division. Under the aegis of H.E. Mr Robert Fillon, Monaco Ambassador in Romania, with the support of Monaco’s Consul in Bucharest, Sergio Aurelio Faleschini and Romanian Consul in Monaco, Constantin Turchina, the mission undoubtedly benefited from the interlinking of the various partners’ networks in situ.

First stop on their arrival on Wednesday 11 September was a meeting with Destination Monaco Ambassadors Club in Bucharest, a group of influential business people with strong ties to the Principality. Three new members were formally welcomed into the Club that evening, bringing membership up to 30 captains of industry with whom the Monegasque delegation were able to establish contacts.

On Thursday morning, the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce organised a Business Forum attended by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Business Environment, Trade and Entrepreneurship, Paula Pirvanescu. After the very instructive bilateral presentations and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Chambers of Commerce, a BtoB session enabled Monaco companies to have an average seven face-to-face meetings with targeted individuals from Romania’s business community. This was followed by lunch to continue the discussions.

That evening, at the prestigious George Enescu Festival, the delegation watched a superb concert by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (OPMC), conducted by Gareth Jones and featuring opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel, which was greeted with rapturous applause by the Romanian audience. The mission ended with a closing dinner to put the seal on interactions and contacts made between the two countries.

Already feedback has been positive, not least because the mission was scheduled to coincide with the OPMC’s performance in Bucharest, reinforcing awareness and impact. Also, the MEB’s partners in Romania had worked hard to maximise the opportunities for entrepreneurs from Monaco to meet people. The quality of the contacts made and opportunities for business auger well for the strengthening of economic ties between Romania and Monaco.