Romania’s economic growth outpaced most of Europe last year, and we believe the Romanian economy can continue to grow at a similar or even higher pace than the 2.8% increase in gross domestic product (GDP) seen in 2014.1 Romania has access to European Union (EU) structural funds, which are one of the main EU instruments designed to sustain economic growth while reducing disparities between regions in the EU. We think Romania’s growth going forward is largely dependent on an increase in EU funds absorption, which can provide a significant source of financing for current and future projects, as well as for government spending on much-needed infrastructure projects.
Various forecasts for Romania currently look bright. The World Bank estimates Romania’s economy will grow on average by 3% per year in the period 2015-2017, driven by strong domestic demand).2Â We think a new loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should also aid economic growth in Romania by increasing the country’s financial stability while at the same time providing oversight with regard to the implementation of structural reforms. Romania has undertaken a major fiscal adjustment, mainly through cutting expenditures and reducing some taxes. Value-added tax (VAT) for all food items, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, will be lowered from 24% to 9% starting on June 1, 2015, the prime minister announced in early April 2015. In addition, VAT for all other products will be lowered from 24% to 20% on January 1, 2016.
Earlier this month, ratings agency Standard & Poor’s confirmed Romania’s ratings for long- and short-term foreign debt to BBB-/A-3 (the lowest investment-grade rating), with a stable perspective.3 S&P also estimates that Romania’s economy could grow on average by nearly 3% per year in the period 2015-2018, driven by the increase of internal consumption. While Romania’s public debt-to-GDP has increased significantly since 2006-2007, it is still at a relatively moderate level (around 40%).4Â Domestic consumption has picked up significantly, and we have seen strong export growth in Romania. We believe consumption growth looks strong in 2015, but investments are still lagging behind. However, like economic growth in general, investments could be partially boosted by a better absorption of EU funds. Additionally, Romania registered a current account surplus of €285 million in the first two months of 2015, compared to a current account deficit of €201 million in the same period of 2014.5 We also view the Romanian government’s continued fight against corruption, which has intensified in recent months, as a positive factor for investors.
Progress on privatizations
We are encouraged by Romania’s privatization efforts, including the listing of several key State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) in the energy sector recently. Some of these companies have also been listed through global depository receipts (GDRs) on the London Stock Exchange. There is also an anticipated pipeline of initial public offerings (IPOs) ahead, including a large hydro power producer in Romania. Romania is currently considered a frontier market by index provider MSCI, but officials in Romania seem determined to implement the changes required to be upgraded to emerging market status; we are encouraged by the Romanian government’s efforts toward further improving its capital markets. As such, there are several ongoing efforts led by the government, the local stock exchange, the market regulator and several key stakeholders in the Romanian capital market to accelerate capital market development. One particular initiative in this regard aims to identify and remove eight barriers that prevent the development of capital markets. Coupled with another initiative launched by the market regulator, the Financial Supervisory Authority, these programs aim to facilitate investor access to Romania.
Romania has implemented a highly ambitious corporate governance code for SOEs, which has generated positive outcomes for various companies, including improved financial performance, operational efficiency and competitiveness, higher transparency and accountability of general managers and boards. In our view, efforts to strengthen corporate governance need to be continued, given that it plays a major role in enhancing SOE performance and reassuring potential investors that SOEs are on an irreversible restructuring path. SOEs are a significant part of the Romanian economy, and we believe the process of improving the efficiency and profitability of the SOEs must continue. We see the implementation of corporate governance standards as a step in the right direction, but there is still a lot to be done in terms of much-needed improvements for independent boards, professional managers and listings.
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