May 8, 2017

Romania's food sector will be a regional leader over the next five years, according to a USDA report

Newsroom, 08.05.2017, 14:09

LITERATURE — A Masterclass in Romanian-British Literary Translation will be held at the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest, between May 8 and 13. As many as six British writers have been invited to work on translations from Romanian contemporary works of fiction. The Radio Romania Culture channel is one of the partners in the event.

REPORT – Romanias food sector will be a regional leader over the next five years, driven by an improving labour market, real wage growth and low levels of inflation, according to a report made public recently by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Economic growth is expected to maintain its upward trend, which anticipates an increase in disposable incomes and the confidence of consumers in the economy and the future, the report also reads. Sales in retailing are also expected to continue to grow over the forecast period, although at a slower pace compared with the review period’s average growth. The report also shows that Romania has a remarkable tourist potential due to two main components, namely, the beautiful natural environment and its rich history.

FRENCH ELECTION — The pro-EU centrist Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidency in a decisive victory over the far-right Front National leader, Marine Le Pen. Macron, aged 39, a former economy minister, took 66% to Le Pen’s 34%. In his first speech after the result was announced Macron vowed to unite a divided and fractured France. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and PM Sorin Grindeanu hailed Macron’s election as president.

VISIT — European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu is today starting a two-day visit to Romania. She will have talks with deputy PM Sevil Shhaideh and will take part in a series of conferences and public events. Commissioner Cretu will also visit a project financed with EU funds at the Romanian Patriarchy and will take part in the Caravan of Structural Funds, a project that includes a series of regional conferences on European funds management. Corina Cretu’s visit to Romania coincides with the celebration of Europe’s Day, 10 years after Romania’s accession to the EU.

LAW — The draft law on pardon is to be debated and voted on by the Senate today, after being green lighted by the legal committee. On Sunday evening several hundred people protested in front of the Government and Parliament offices against the adoption of this law. Senators with the legal committee have brought several changes to the draft law, such as pardoning sentences of up to three years, reducing by 3 years the sentences that do not exceed 10 years and halving sentences in the case of pregnant women. The The Senates legal committee, however, gave up the amendments pardoning corruption deeds. Social Democratic leader and Senate Speaker Liviu Dragnea has give assurances that the draft law passed by Parliament will not stipulate pardons for corruption deeds.

TENNIS – Romania’s best tennis player, Simona Halep, no. 8 in the world, defeated Krystina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2 and will be up against Italian Roberta Vinci in the second round of the Madrid tournament. Another Romanuia, Sorana Carstea, no. 38 in the world, beat Russian Anastasia Pavliucenkova and will next play against American Catherine Bellis. Irina Begu also scored a victory, defeating Russian Elena Vesnina (14 WTA), 6-4, 6-4.

HANDBALL – Romania’s national handball side has conceded defeat to Serbia 27-22 in an away match counting towards the second group of the EURO 2018 preliminaries. Serbia has also won the first match, 23-22. In another group match, Poland and Belarus have ended in a draw their game, 27-all. Romanian women’s handball side CSM Bucharest have walked away with bronze from the Champions League. CSM has outperformed the Montenegrin champions Buducnost Podgorica, 26-20, in a game for the third position. On Saturday, CSM lost to Macedonia’s champions Vardar Skopje, 33-38, and the trophy went to Hungary’s champion team Gyori Audi ETO.

(Translated by Elena Enache)