News review of the day – August 5th

Prices will follow downward trend over the next 9 months – Central Bank Governor says

Prices will go on decreasing over the next nine months whilst inflation will register negative values – according to Central Bank’s forecasting. Governor Mugur Isărescu considers the main reason for this trend is driven by the VAT cut on food products. The governor also said this price decrease should not be interpreted as deflation as consumption is going upward and eliminates the danger for unsold merchandise. The higher-than-expected impact of VAT reduction has determined the Central Bank to maintain the monetary policy interest rate to an all-time low of 1.75% per year, RADIO ROMANIA reported.

ANAF announces new measures meant to increase collection of unpaid taxes

National Agency for Fiscal Administration has announced new measures meant to increase collection of unpaid taxes. According to ANAF President Gelu Diaconu, starting January 1st, new enforcement structures will be created  to increase state budget revenue from tax avoiders. Mr Diaconu added that budget revenue has seen a rise after the amendment brought in January to procedures used to register VAT-paying companies which also reduced the number of so-called „ghost companies”
Gelu Diaconu: These ghost companies have gangrened the transaction chains so much that they almost determined honest companies to make compromises in this area. This amended procedure has allowed us to increase VAT collection wtih 40-50 million Ron as of the end of July.

Romania can ensure half of Europe’s water need in case of major heatwave crisis

Romania can ensure half of Europe’s bottled water needs in case of major heatwave crisis, according to Radu Dumitru, general manager of the National Mineral Water Company. However, he declared at the public radio station, exports are way below this potential being situated at only 10% of what our country could deliver abroad. On the other hand, Mr Dumitru advised consumers to check two most important quality indicators on the label: nitrites that should not exceed 0,1 mg/l and nitrates that should be less than 5 mg/l.

Romania braces for new heatwave

Southern, Western and Central Romania is under a code-yellow warning for heat this afternoon, with a 35-36 degrees Celsius high whereas over the next two days heat discomfort will become even more pronounced in the regions of Banat, Crişana, Maramureş, Oltenia, Muntenia, most part of Transylvania and Southern Moldova where the temperature-humidity index will exceed the 80-unit critical threshold and temperatures will rise above 37 degrees Celsius, RADIO ROMANIA reported.

Heritage tourism in Transylvania flourishes, driven by Prince Charles

Heritage tourism in Transylvania has flourished over the last few years, driven by the promotion Prince Charles has been making. Foreign tourists are attracted also by Dracula’s legend or the story of the Carpathian Castle.
Travel agencies offer 7 or 10-day tours which almost all the time include places like Sighisoara, Vlad Tepes’ place of birth, the ruler who would inspire Dracula’s character. The tours also include the fortified churches in Southern Transylvania, which are UNESCO heritage sites and different other castles like the one in Hunedoara or the Bánffy Castle situated in Bonţida, refurbished with Prince Charles’ support. Most of the tourist visiting Transylvania for its historical landmarks come form Hungary, Germany and the UK, according to travel agents.

„Bulgarian Punch” event continues the series of shows called „White Nights on the Black Sea”

The Tourist Port of Mangalia will host a new edition of the “Bulgarian Punch” event this week-end. Bulgarian neighbours and friends are coming to Romania to offer a show  – starting at 8 PM on Saturday and Sunday – that blends elements of folklore from the two countries, especially from Dobrudja region, traditional dances of the minorities and other customs presented by Bulgarian ensembles from Dobrich, Vaklino, Balchik and Gurkovo. The show is part of a series called „White Nights on the Black Sea” that offers free entertainment for both tourists and locals.

Bianca Ioniţă