Prime Minister Ion Chicu had a working visit to the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP). The head of the Executive was accompanied by a group of officials from the State Chancellery and Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI).
At the beginning of the meeting, the prime minister thanked the responsible persons of the management company for accepting the meeting and said: “We want to know how your activities are going and how the Government can support the development and growth of this business”.
Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics Holding, made a brief presentation of the port at the current stage, both in structure and operational data.
Over 470 employees operate in the port and about 70 million dollars were invested in infrastructure. In 2019, over one million tons of goods were transported through Giurgiulesti Port, of which 57% were exported and 42% were imported. 72% of the imports were from the EU, mainly from Romania. In 2019, through GIFP, products were exported to 44 countries, the majority, 44% of the goods and products – to the EU.
In the near perspective, in the GIFP a terminal for the transport of bulk wine will be put into operation, which will boost the export of wines and expand the geography of wine exports.
GIFP management has listed a number of problems, for the solution of which is needed the support of the Government. There were also discussed issues that may compromise investment intentions and generate unfair competition conditions.
The need to carry out the activities of maintaining river navigability on the Prut River was highlighted, actions that today are being carried out by GIFP managers. Port management also mentioned the problem of outdated approaches and conflicting approaches that prevent the development of operational activities and the investment process.
Another topic discussed was the need to strengthen the railway infrastructure within the GIFP, by detaching the locomotives, wagons and putting into operation the railway line “Cahul-Giurgiulesti”.
Prime Minister Ion Chicu asked MEI representatives to examine each topic, to present information and solutions for the sustainable development of port activities in a legal manner, with compulsory compliance with environmental protection requirements.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister, accompanied by GIFP management, visited a number of companies operating in the Port and was informed about the investments made in the existing infrastructure and its development plans.
