News May 8th, 2011

Eng. Paul Keisch Page 1

How will the Arabs invest in Romanian agriculture

Romanian officials have held several discussions with potential Arab investors to invest in

agriculture, but the latter would like to have the assurance that if funding will take place they won’t

be restricted to 70% of yields.

The statement was made by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Adrian Rădulescu,

in the show "After 20 years," aired on Pro TV.

"Agricultural products will be bought by those who have money. Think what will happen in the Arab

world. We have made several visits there, and I called them and now we will see. The Arabs are

interested in associating with Romanian farmers with long term period and a secured guarantee

that they will be able to buy that product. Whole time where I worked said: "What guarantee do we

have that will be production, we invest in it, being in a partnership, and finally you or EU trap it and

I can’t take it home, if a food crisis appear, " Rădulescu said.

According to him, Arab investors want to buy agricultural lands with areas ranging on average

between 2,000 and 5,000 hectares.

"But in particular they are interested in cooperation with Romanian farmers in a partnership, they

with funding and its acquisition of at least 70–80% of that funding," said Secretary of State.

Attending the show, Sorin Minea, chairman Romalimenta, said that foreign investment in

agriculture is very good, but we must be careful that partnerships will be completed. He explained

that if a "price crisis" in food, to go 70% of agricultural production out the country will have a major

impact internally.

News May 8th, 2011

Eng. Paul Keisch Page 2

What business counts millionaires Arab in Romania

After the purchase of significant shareholdings in America, Britain, Western Europe or Asia, the Gulf

Arab investors are planning a massive relocation in Southeastern Europe and North Africa.

More than $5,000 billion will be invested outside the Gulf till 2020, by the six member states of the

Gulf Cooperation Council (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar),

according to data submitted EVZ. They want consolidation of capital in areas with natural resources

and build an economic future outside the Gulf region.

Among Countries covered for business development, also Romania is included. Moreover, an Arab

delegation of over 120 participants or investors or representatives of the authorities was in

Bucharest last week in a Romanian-Arab forum, which was attended by President Traian Băsescu.

"In Bucharest, the Arabs did not come with 6 zeros wealth; Arabs in general have come with 8 zeros

wealth and up. Put zeros in front of what figures you want and do not be scared. And add a

corresponding number of camels" said Bogdan Popovici, President of Forum Invest.

In this context, the interest of Romanians to promote investment projects was extremely high.

Projects of $25 billion

Thus, the total value of projects submitted by the Romanian companies is over $25.3 billion, of

which over $20 billion in energy. Additionally, the areas targeted by both sides have been

agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, IT&C, construction, health and trade.

However, the Arabs have shown themselves particularly interested in the agricultural sector.

"Agriculture, wheat production starting and ending with the feed or production of chickens and

sheep, are a main target for the Gulf countries, which want to ensure long term food security",

added Bogdan Popovici.

A new forum could be held in January 2012, in a Gulf country.