Romanian Senate Approves Ford Payout

The Romanian Senate will pay over 140 million euros to Ford for development programs in its factory in Craiova.
Romanian Senate Approves Ford Payout
Liberal Party Senator Varujan Vosganiansaid said Romania could be, “the largest auto producer in Central Europe and Eastern Europe before 2011.” (Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images)
2/5/2009
Updated:
2/5/2009
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The Romanian Senate adopted a bill to approve a payment of over 140 million euro to Ford Motor Company for the development programs in its car factory in Craiova, Romania, this week.

The Emergency Ordinance specifies the allocation of 94.5 million euros for investment in automobile production, and 48.55 million euros for engine production. The Budget Finance Committee adopted the budget without amendments.

Senate president Mircea Geoana also asked the Ministry of Finance to present information on other private applications for government aid.

The Romanian government held the majority shares in Automobile Craiova factory. Through sale of the package, Ford is committing to invest 675 million in modernizing the factory, including 430 million for automobile production and 165 million for engines, according to Ministry of Finance.

Geoana affirmed the importance of firms in the economy, saying “Obviously, Ford is an important company.”

Liberal Party Senator Varujan Vosganian also voiced support, saying: “If Ford comes to Romania, our country could be the largest auto producer in Central Europe and Eastern Europe before 2011.”

There were also calls for other companies investing in Romania to be supported by the government as well.