State-business dialogue should take into account other interests as well, counselor

The dialogue between state institutions and the business community can be efficient only if it takes into account the interests of those uninvolved in business activities, Constanta Popescu-Mereacre, economic counselor to Prime Minister Vlad Filat, stated at the release of the 2012-2013 National Business Agenda. Talking about other interests, the counselor noted that the Budget had the mission to fund public sectors like education and health, various programs aimed at assisting vulnerable groups, and to pay salaries, pensions and other benefits. “When we discuss, we have to consider everybody's interests. Only then will we have an efficient and constructive dialogue”, stressed Constanta Popescu-Mereacre. Concerning the dialogue between the state and businesses, it's important that not only the Government, Parliament and other authorities know what to do, but also that the business associations are able to consolidate their analysis capacity and deliver a clear opinion that represents the majority of those associations' members. “Often we receive separate proposals from one company or another and sometimes they can double. It's not clear whether these are supported by other companies working it the respective sector as well. If they were supported by other actors, this would be a signal that those proposals do not contradict legislation on competition”, explained Constanta Popescu-Mereacre. MP Veaceslav Ionita, the head of Parliament's Economy Commission, admitted that, while efforts were being made to involve the business community in analyzing proposed legislation, it was difficult because of technical reasons to deliver messages to business associations on legislative modifications immediately as they occur, promising the situation would improve. The National Business Agenda is a set of priorities meant to improve the business climate and stimulate growth. This set was consolidated and promoted at the initiative of IDIS Viitorul and its partners from the United States and Romania.