Introduction to the North West Region (Romania)
The North-West region of Romania was created through the volunta
ry association of the local and county level authorities from the counties Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Cluj, Maramures, Satu Mare and Salaj. The surface area of the region is 34.160 km2, representing 14.3% of Romania’s territory. Regarding the landforms, the surface is covered as following by: mountains (28%), hills (30%), plains and valleys (42%). From the UAT (territorial administrative unit), the region has 15 cities, 28 towns and 403 communes (rural territorial administrative units). The rate of employment in the region is only 57%. The distribution of the enterprises on activity sectors show that 72.5% are active in the services sector (33,51% in commerce), while 12,8% are active in industry, 11,75% in construction and only 2.9% in agriculture.
Rural Profile of the Region
- 47.4% of the population live in rural areas. In the rural area of the North-West Region, 45.8% of earnings are made in agriculture, 29% in industry and construction and 25.2% in services.
Strengths of the Rural Economy
- The richness and diversity of the natural resources (agricultural lands, forests, freshwaters and mineral waters with healing properties
- Potential for renewable energy development,
- Precious metal ores, building materials, etc)
- The exceptional touristic potential can bring foreign tourists to the region and help the development of the other economic sectors.
- The multicultural heritage is also an important trait of the region, creating a diversity of traditions and historical artefacts which can offer to the visitors an extraordinary experience.
Challenges for the Rural Economy
An important barrier for the economic development in the rural areas is the diverse non-equal development of road infrastructure and public utilities. - There is an important potential for using renewable sources of energy which is not fulfilled.
- Low capacity of the rural population to access structural funds. The main reasons for this situation are the level of education, civic responsibility and participation
- Lack of documents regarding the ownership of lands and buildings for many households.
The North West Region of Romania is best known for...
- Northern Transylvania is famous around the world by its connection to the image of Count Dracula. The character, introduced by the Bram Stoker’s novel, had its castle in the region
- The region is maintaining its mysterious vibe by managing to keep its tradition and the traditional ways of life in the rural areas.
- Northern Transylvania is one of the wildest areas in the EU, having various virgin forests and a high population of wild animals (bears, wolves, foxes, eagles, etc). The Region is famous for its natural heritage, comprising 88 natural protected areas of European importance, 170 protected areas of national importance, 1 protected area of international importance (National Park Rodnei Mountains – Bistrita-Nasaud County).
- The German heritage of the region is also an important brand, in the Northern Transylvania with a high number of fortified churches and two of the seven Transylvanian German cities (Bistrita and Cluj-Napoca).
- The region’s most important strengths are its position at the border of the EU, the tourism potential and the potential of specialization sectors development (food, textile, wood and furniture, automotive, ITC, creative industries, etc.).
Introduction to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bistrita Nasaud County (CCIBN)
CCIBN is an independent, non-governmental entity, created to represent, defend and support the interest of the business sector community in relation to the bodies from our country and abroad. The organisation’s mission is to contribute actively to the sustainable development of the local economy and promote economic environment nationally and internationally. The organisation is part of the Romanian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Network having 41 members all over the Country. Activities are focused on support for start-ups and business development, project management, training for adult learners, industry events and support with IPR.
Introduction to Eugenia-Maria Pop of CCIBN
Eugenia is Head of Business Relations Department/ Project coordinator
Phone: 0040 263 230640
Email: [email protected]
3 things to know about Eugenia-Maria
- Experience in working with private companies from Bistrita-Nasaud County ( mainly SMEs)
- Good contact to SMEs
- Experience in leading teams and working in teams
What Eugenia-Maria loves about her Region
- Diversity and beauty of landscape
- Friendly people
- Preserving of traditions
The changes the North West of Romania would like to see implemented from this project
- Development of entrepreneurial skills, both for entrepreneurs and to be entrepreneurs
- Valorization of the local heritage for business
- Great access to business opportunities and financial resources for rural stakeholders
