Swiss Manufacturers Sound the Alarm in Sighișoara: Romania Risks Missing the Industrial Train Without Immediate Action

Romania remains a strategic destination for manufacturing investments, but mounting pressures threaten its future: labor shortages, rising utility costs, and volatile demand are putting the industry under increasing strain. This was the clear message conveyed by Swiss and Romanian business leaders at the forum organized by the Swiss-Romanian Chamber of Commerce (CCE-R), hosted by SEFAR / MONOSUISSE in Sighișoara.

Under the straightforward and pragmatic theme “Challenges and Opportunities in Romania’s Manufacturing Sector,” the event gathered over 50 executives and key decision-makers from the industry to discuss real solutions in an increasingly tense economic context.

In his opening speech, H.E. Massimo Baggi, Swiss Ambassador to Romania, emphasized the value of the bilateral partnership:
“The Swiss-Romanian collaboration is not just solid—it is essential for the region’s competitiveness.”

Dr. Adriana Cioca, President of CCE-R, added:
“Twenty percent of our members are manufacturers. That says it all. Romania is not a random choice—it’s a key player in the European value chain. We have a real chance to build smart industrial networks, but we must act fast.”

Moderated by Hermann Povel, Director of SEFAR / MONOSUISSE and head of the CCE-R manufacturing working group, the event spotlighted the pressing challenges facing the sector:

• Rising operational costs – energy, wages, logistics

• Shortage of skilled labor

• Unpredictable domestic demand

• Legislative changes directly impacting production

Top executives took the stage: Radu Cotuna (Noventa Romania), Alin Crețu (VAT Romania), Claudiu Presecan (Polycontact Hermannstadt), and Miguel Trindade (Manpower Romania), sharing both on-the-ground issues and proven strategies.

“We are at a crossroads. Adapt or lose,” concluded Hermann Povel.
“Romania can win long-term, but only if industry, government, and education pull in the same direction.”