Romanian delegation visit Highlands
A delegation led by the Romanian Consul to Scotland has visited Highland to explore opportunities for developing joint projects on Tourism, Renewable energy and Cultural and Social ventures. The delegation included 5 Mayors of Arges County, an area considered to be similar to Highland in economic and geographical challenges and opportunities. The meeting also included Highland Council officers, elected members, UHI representatives and the Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
Inverness city members hosted an evening celebration in the Town House to mark St Andrew’s Day and at the same time gave a special welcome to the Romanian visitors as St Andrew is also their country’s Patron Saint. With a distinctly Scottish theme, the evening drew together the special guests, local Romanians living in the Highlands, and representatives who have business and cultural interests in Romania.
The following day the delegation, accompanied by the Romanian Consul from Edinburgh, met up with Councillors Drew Hendry and Thomas Prag for a meeting to discuss possible trade links. They were joined by representatives from the UHI, Inverness Chamber of Commerce and the Euro-information Centre.
Speaking after the meeting, Head of Romanian Consul office in Edinburgh, Miha Delcea, said “We have had an excellent visit celebrating St Andrew’s Day as both Romania and Scotland share the same Patron Saint, but most importantly we had a meeting with various representatives to develop cooperation. We are ready and very committed to help to develop business between Romanian and Scottish communities”
Councillor Hendry, who helped to arrange the trade visit, said: “There are some really exciting opportunities that can be seized between our two countries, specifically between Arges County and Highland as our regions share many similar challenges and opportunities. Romania has access to European funding that can be used to partner work here in Highland and the meeting held at Highland Council this week will start the process of identifying projects to aid Tourism, Commerce and job creation. We have also have an interesting opportunity to get Romania’s Transylvanian “Dracula” and our own “Loch Ness Monster” to join forces and see what can be achieved.”
Councillor Prag added: “I was struck by potential links with UHI’s Centre for Rural Health and the possibility of educational and cultural exchanges too. They seem to have an appetite for festivals of all kinds and it would be a good way of involving young people. This isn’t about junkets – it has to be about real business and real benefit.”
Joining the meeting was a Romanian Orthodox priest who was assisted by a Romanian priest based in Glasgow as the visitors are also keen to establish ecumenical links with Highland churches.
ENDS