Foreign investment integrates Romania’s economy into the European value chain, establishing the foundations for a strong and sustainable economy that will fuel future growth, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Monday.

The prime minister attended the launch of the new assembly line for propulsion units for the Mercedes-Benz GLC full-electric model at Star Assembly Sebes.

„I would like to thank the management of the Mercedes group, and those present earlier, for deciding to make this investment in Romania. (…) These investments mean technology transfer, access to major markets, creation of jobs, and the integration of Romania’s industry into the European value chain, laying the foundations for a healthy economy that will generate development for the future,” Ilie Bolojan said.

He highlighted that the Sebes investment, worth over 100 million euros, further confirms that Germany remains Romania’s largest economic partner.

Bolojan praised the high technological level achieved by Mercedes at the production facility, noting his own background as a mechanical engineer.

„As a mechanical engineer, when I see such a marvel – from casting, mechanical and electrical components, to assembly – I understand the true complexity and what it takes to complete everything on time. Sometimes, public sector investments are not finished on schedule. I know what it involves, and I congratulate those responsible, because completing such investments on time reflects serious management,” he said.

The prime minister also acknowledged the role of the workforce at the Sebes facility – over 1,500 employees – and more than 1,000 at the Blaj plant, noting that „these people carry Romania on their shoulders.”

„That is the truth: the people working in real Romania, not storytellers. Through their daily work, they pay taxes that fund public investments, whether well or less well executed. I want to express my full respect to everyone working in these companies, and to all private-sector employees in Romania, because every part produced contributes taxes and duties that keep the state functioning,” Bolojan stressed.

He further highlighted the role of management at the Sebes plant in supporting vocational training for employees through dual education initiatives.

„What Mercedes is doing here supports local education and demonstrates social responsibility. If we want a competitive country, we need a skilled workforce,” he said.

The prime minister also praised the local authorities in Alba County for their „pro-business attitude” in supporting investments, which helps generate higher local budget revenues.

„Consider that over 60% of payroll tax paid by the company goes directly to the local budget. For every 100 parts you produce, roughly one is delivered to the Sebes town hall. When a large factory with registered employees and good wages operates locally, it drives development and increases local revenues. From there, you can fund better hospitals, better schools, and improve living conditions – that is what public-private partnership means,” Bolojan said.

He added that, as prime minister, he is aware that Romania cannot have a healthy economy without a mix of domestic and foreign investments, which bring significant technology transfer.

„These policies must continue. I would like to thank all those who contributed to clarifying this investment, including through the state aid provided by the Romanian Government – parliamentarians, ministers, previous prime ministers – because today we see the results of a public policy supporting foreign investment, which means technology, jobs, and a healthy economy,” Bolojan concluded.

AGERPRES