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Good evening, everyone. Thank you very much for inviting me,
It's such an honor to be given the floor tonight, and I am proud of being with you today
I suppose we're all waiting for the cocktail, so I will try to be as brief
and to the point as possible.
When we're talking investments, we can go on about the numbers,
but we also want to have an accurate picture of what it all really means.
A few words about Apa Nova -
we are responsible for the water supply and sewerage system in Bucharest.
We've been here since the year 2000. when we came on the back
of winning an auction organized by the World Bank.
Our shareholders are French, but other nationalities also.
I'd like you to know that 16% of our capital is owned by the Bucharest City Hall,
while employees own 10% of it -
we're probably the only provider of public services whose employees hold stock in the company.
This is one concrete for-instance of what can be done in terms of
inspiring our human resources to do things better, and cheaper.
On the subject of a partnership between the public and the private sector,
we might be under the impression that the public sector is handing over the reins
of the service provided - I'd like to assure you that's not the case.
Bearing witness to that, as an example, are the three state-run institutions that
control and monitor us, alongside Bucharest City Hall.
Namely, starting with AMRSP, the technical regulator that monitors the levels of services provided
as regards water quality; we're also under the scrutiny of ANRSC,
the deciding body on fees charged. Moreover, in the event of a lawsuit,
we have the option of turning to three international experts,
neither Romanian, nor French, who can attest to our adequate management.
Ozonization is a technology that allows us to filter bacteria out of water -
it's quite a pioneer approach in Romania, and, to give you an example, it amounted to
a €60 million investment.
We modernized another two water-treatment plants; water fluctuations are kept a close watch on
via computer, whereas before, it was all done by hand.
Another specific example has to do with water purification and sewage:
when we think about water, what always comes to mind is the tap,
but, in fact, it's collecting and treating waste-water that proves most difficult to do.
Thank you very much for listening, and I'll be glad to answer any queries
at the cocktail party. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Laurent Lalagüe, general manager of Apa Nova.
I'd like to ask Mr. Minel Prina, the mayor of Slatina, to come join us now.
The Mayor's speech will be followed by a short Q&A session you can attend.
What does Slatina have to offer, or what about it can attract investors?
A lot. I'd like to point out just a few.
Firstly, our industrial tradition; secondly, our skilled and available manpower;
thirdly, an investor-friendly administration, ready to accommodate their needs.
Also, an infrastructure that provides connections with sites of national importance: Craiova, Piteşti, Bucharest.
Last but not least, as of next year, we will have an industrial park
extending over a total surface area in excess of 30 ha,
with all the utilities and the facilities, intended for use by investors.
Our workforce is skilled on account of the high schools in our municipality
shaping their students into our future workers in metallurgy, electronics and metal casting.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for helping us better understand Slatina, from the standpoint
of direct foreign investment and, particularly, of the dynamics and the horizons opening up over there.
I'm sure Slatina represents and faces, in turn, serious competition,
but it can show the results of its efforts so far.
... currently underway, is about the fashion show - called "The Rewritten Story of the Romanian Blouse [Ie] -
Integrating Ethnic Peasant Garb in Modern Outfits." The creatives behind it are the designer Simona ***,
Alexandra Abraham (decorative items), Iulia Gorneanu's collection of peasant blouses and accessories,
and Alin Gălăţescu - art director. Let's all sit back and watch the show!
[Folk Romanian music playing]
Thank you so much! It's my honor to express our appreciation
for your presence at this event, organized by the Dignitas Foundation,
whom we'd also like to thank.
We addressed foreign investment in Romania, as the sine qua non for development.
I'd like to grab this chance to also thank our sponsors and media partners -
all of which, sponsors and media allies, you can now see up on the screen.
I'd like to remind you this was only the first event of a series run by the Dignitas Foundation
with the following one revolving around local capital and how its investment can be spurred.
Thank you for talking part, thank you, Madam Ambassador, for staying with us!
Finally, I'd like to invite you to a cocktail party, where the lovely models will also be in attendance.