It is an honor to be with you at this conference dedicated to the Romanian-Polish friendship. Our relationship has deep roots and has always been marked by mutual respect. In the past, Romania and Poland even shared a common border, symbolizing our geographical and historical closeness. During World War II, Romania offered refuge and support to Poland after it was treacherously attacked by Germany and Russia. We must not forget this painful past to avoid repeating the same mistakes. This moment demonstrated that when our values are tested, nothing can stand in the way of an excellent relationship.
Today, more than ever, we need to strengthen our collaboration in the economy: *agriculture, tourism, industry, and good governance. The value of trade between Romania and Poland exceeds 10 billion euros annually. However, in 2022, Romania recorded a trade deficit of approximately 2.5 billion euros with Poland, highlighting a significant imbalance in Poland’s favor. It is essential to note that Romania needs a solid policy of providing high-quality products and services. *Romania should use its gas resources to produce agricultural fertilizers, while Poland should consider replacing imports from Russia with those from Romania. The trade balance is unbalanced and cannot sustain long-term exchanges. Each nation must produce and offer real value; otherwise, money becomes just a momentary satisfaction, insufficient for a lasting partnership.
Romania and Poland share a common economic market of over 56 million citizens, offering enormous potential for economic development and bilateral cooperation. So far, hundreds of Romanian companies have invested in Poland, and over 1,500 Polish companies have invested in Romania. However, given the size of our common market, this number is insufficient. We need to stimulate more bilateral investments to fully realize the economic potential of both countries. Why not imagine Poland having access to the Black Sea through the Port of Constanța, and Romania accessing the northern European seas through the Baltic ports? The Port of Gdańsk, Poland’s largest, could become a strategic gateway for Romanian products to northern Europe. Moreover, a modernized railway for freight transport could connect these ports, facilitating and accelerating trade between our countries. These opportunities would create a strong economic and logistical bridge. Romania can export cars and cereals, while Poland can export tractors and fish. Furthermore, in the defense industry, we should support reciprocal investments and engage in technology exchange and joint economic projects. This way, we can strengthen the economic relationship between our countries.
Tourism plays an essential role in strengthening relations between Romania and Poland. Polish tourists should be encouraged to visit the Romanian coast, the Danube Delta, or the Carpathian Mountains, where they can experience Romanian hospitality. Our citizens should be encouraged to explore each other’s places, meet the people, and discover the traditions of both nations. Through such cultural exchanges, bilateral relations will be strengthened, and the mutual image will be considerably improved.
At the same time, we must recognize the urgent need for the reindustrialization of both states. Romania and Poland must develop heavy industries, build shipbuilding capacities, establish a strong metallurgical and steel industry, and consolidate the chemical industry for the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and other essential products used in various sectors such as hygiene, maintenance, textiles, automotive, and agriculture. This is the path to a strong and self-sufficient economy.
To support these exchanges, there is a need for a dedicated Romanian-Polish bank to support bilateral economic relations. This would help companies invest in both states, allowing Polish entrepreneurs to grow in Romania and vice versa. Together, these companies could be better represented not only in Europe but also in the global market. Additionally, a Romanian-Polish investment fund would represent a joint tool to strengthen both economies and to face fierce global competition.
A Romanian-Polish political, military, and economic axis could become a pillar of stability in the region. This axis would counterbalance imperialist tendencies from the east, which threaten European civilization, as well as from the west, where the project of a common Europe could be captured and used for imperialist purposes, merely as a means of control and subjugation by larger states.
In the area of local governance, we must continue reforms for reducing bureaucracy, decreasing the influence of political factors in administration, increasing public investments, showing respect for citizens, reducing the number of bureaucrats, ensuring the state is a partner and not a master, reducing the number of public institutions, and using common funds rationally. A lean administration and an efficient state are fundamental for economic and social development, both in Romania and Poland.
In conclusion, I urge all present to express their positions and actively contribute to strengthening the bilateral relationship. Together, we can build a lasting partnership based on common values and clear objectives.
