North-East Regional Development Agency General Director, Vasile ASANDEI: „The A7 Highway is an essential infrastructure project for the development of the North-East Region”

The A7 Highway is an essential infrastructure project for the development of the North-East Region, contributing to its connectivity with the rest of Romania and Europe

As the General Director of the North-East Regional Development Agency, Vasile Asandei plays a key role in coordinating regional economic development strategies and leveraging the opportunities generated by this infrastructure. In this context, we discuss the impact of the A7 Highway on the economic development of the region and the plans of ADR North-East to stimulate economic growth.

The A7 Highway is considered a major catalyst for the economic development of the North-East Region. What are the main priorities of ADR North-East in maximizing the economic impact of this highway on the region?

The A7 Highway is an essential infrastructure element, but it does not solely drive regional development. Many factors contribute to this goal, and together with other involved actors, we are working to achieve this development. I would mention that, besides the absolutely necessary infrastructure, a key area for achieving regional development is fostering research, innovation, and creating genuine added value. Additionally, beyond the highway, for example, the chance to be connected to the world through modern airports is equally important.

Which economic sectors in the North-East Region will benefit the most from the improved connectivity provided by the A7 Highway, and what measures are you taking to attract investors in these areas?

All economic sectors in the region benefit from the infrastructure improvements through A7, but particularly those involved in the production and transport of large quantities of goods.

ADR has a constant focus on attracting and developing investment capacity. We promote

the region’s opportunities internationally, participating in fairs, exhibitions, and dedicated events, and the improvement of infrastructure will allow us to demonstrate the region’s attractiveness, including in terms of infrastructure. We have a small team dedicated to this initiative, including staff working at our Brussels office. In recent years, we have held numerous discussions with companies interested in investing, for whom this infrastructure represents a key point.

We hope that starting in 2025, we will see increased interest in developing production capacity, especially in our region.

It is worth noting that, to transport goods from this region to Europe, according to estimates made by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the cost increases by about 5-7%, so this Highway, as well as the A8 Highway, which we hope to see completed, will significantly enhance the investment environment in our region.

How does ADR North-East intend to collaborate with local authorities and the business community to stimulate economic development and facilitate investors’ access to the opportunities offered by the A7 Highway?

The tools we use will continue to be employed, and our partnerships with local administration are long-standing. For example, an essential condition for community development and supporting the business environment is adequate territorial administrative capacity, which can respond promptly to any requirements. From this perspective, we have allocated resources and undertaken effective actions in learning, exchange of experiences, and skill attraction, both for public administration and private companies. Additionally, through the Regional Program, we are financing the digitalization of both sectors, especially in terms of services offered to companies and individuals.

How do you see the impact of the A7 Highway on cross-border trade with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, given that the region has significant potential in this regard?

The highway will evidently boost trade and exchanges, both between us and these countries and between them and the rest of Europe, especially since both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have become EU candidate countries.

What complementary projects are planned by ADR North-East to leverage the infrastructure created by the A7 Highway, such as industrial parks, logistics centers, or regional development initiatives?

Industrial parks and logistics centers are not eligible under the Regional Program, but we have supported regional actors in developing the capacity to build such business structures.

Through programs managed by ADR North-East, county roads have been built or rehabilitated, which have created and will continue to create, together with the TNT network, including A7, regional development opportunities, and this is essential for enhancing the value of this Highway.