Future Global Political Landscape Exceeds Anticipations: Perspective of Romanian Business Sector on the First Half of 2025 inauguration of CONFIDEX's 12th Edition
Catching up with the Romanian Business Landscape: Insights from the CONFIDEX 12 Survey
Welcome to the latest round of the CONFIDEX study, the only longitudinal research in Romania that's been measuring business leaders' confidence in the economy over the past five years. This year, chairpersons and top shots in Romania's business world are invited to jump in and contribute to evaluating the confidence in Romania's economic outlook by completing the CONFIDEX 12 survey by March 28. The bricks behind this study? Private equity funds ROCA, Agista, and CITR, the leading player in Romania's insolvency and restructuring market.
In the tail end of 2024, the CONFIDEX confidence index stayed put at 52, just like the beginning of the year (52.5), but the second half ushered in fresh elements on the global stage that might chill the bones of managers and perhaps influence some key decisions in Romania. On the flip side, Ukraine's resurgence, strategic investments in the region, and the wrapping up of presidential elections may bring fresh bursts of optimism and opportunities for local businesses. 🔵 Key Insight: The CONFIDEX study has been a barometer of business leaders' confidence and a portrayal of the indomitable spirit of Romanian entrepreneurs. With over 4,000 CEOs on board, they're collectively crafting a robust economy, where optimism is the fuel steering progress. Here's what's shaking in the current business climate.
As Andrei Cionca, co-founder of ROCA and Agista, and the brains behind the CONFIDEX study, puts it, "In this ever-changing global economic landscape, it's crucial for us to understand how we view opportunities and develop successful local models. Armed with this knowledge, our businesses will be better prepared to tackle uncertainty and tap into sources of growth." 🔵 Perspective Check: Coming close on the heels of a year marred by concern about the local economy's future and their companies, the Romanian economy expanded, but at a slower pace compared to previous years.
Foresight vs. Realty: Opportunities Amidst Uncertainty
As we flip the calendar to 2025, only a quarter (29%) of managers still kept their chin up regarding the prospects of the Romanian economy—down from 34% in the previous semester. But wait—many of their predictions went right out the window. While 56% of managers believed inflation would shoot up in the second half of 2024, it actually dwindled to 5.1%, whereas in 2023 it hit 7%. 🔵 Fun Fact: The inflation rate in Romania is still higher than the average EU rate of 2.7%.
With the GDP rolling in at 1.7 trillion lei in 2024, compared to an impressive 1.6 trillion in the previous year, and unemployment creeping up marginally (5.7%), the business world's priorities shifted towards sales growth, employee retention, improving customer relations, and access to financing. 🔵 Takeaway: Businesses in Romania are focusing on growth strategies, talent retention, and enhancing customer connections while keeping an eye on funding opportunities.
The CONFIDEX index took a nose dive during the pandemic but recovered steadily, hitting the highest point in the past three years (52.5) in the first half of last year and maintaining a similar value in H2 2024 (52). 🔵 Insight Point: Despite global economic challenges and uncertainties, Romanian businesses are maintaining their footing and staying resilient. To add your voice to the conversation, cast your vote in the CONFIDEX Study: A Snapshot of Confidence in the Romanian Economy.
*This is a press release.
- The CONFIDEX study, completed by thousands of Romanian CEOs, has been a notable barometer of business leaders' confidence and a reflection of the resilience of Romanian entrepreneurs in the economy.
- In the CONFIDEX 12 survey, chairpersons and top executives in Romania's business world are invited to contribute to evaluating the confidence in Romania's economic outlook by completing the survey by March 28.
- In the year 2025, only a quarter (29%) of managers remained optimistic about the prospects of the Romanian economy, despite many of their predictions going awry, such as the actual decrease in inflation instead of the expected rise.
- Businesses in Romania are focusing on implementing growth strategies, prioritizing employee retention, improving customer relations, and pursuing funding opportunities, based on the findings from the CONFIDEX study in 2024.
