Ionuț Coman is one of the entrepreneurs from Cluj who support the projects of the Romanian Royal Family. He founded a group of companies that includes OptGroup, which specialises in the supply of solutions and materials for smart infrastructure, construction and building projects, and Proiectura, which provides design, consultancy and technical assistance services for large projects, including those financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan or other European funds. For many years, Ionuț Coman has been involved in strengthening economic relations with the Republic of Moldova. During the first edition of the Economic Forum in Chișinău, organised in February 2023, at the initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania, Ionuț Coman announced that the group of companies he founded will develop a strategic partnership with entrepreneurs from the Republic of Moldova. The first such partnership was concluded with Alexandru Machedon, founder of StarNet and Digital Park in Chișinău.
Reporter: Mr. Coman, why did you decide to get involved in such a partnership?
Ionuț Coman: The decision is based on three factors. The first is the deep esteem I have for the Royal Family of Romania. Thanks to the Royal Family, today Romania is a member of NATO and the European Union. Basically, the Royal Family has built, on the basis of the perennial values and principles that have been at the foundation of the Dynasty since 1866, a successful model that still works today and that can be used to support the European path of the Republic of Moldova. Simply put, we came to Chișinău thanks to the Royal Family of Romania. The second factor is the esteem I have for the people of the land between Prut and Nistru. They are our brothers and they deserve to enjoy the same security and quality of life as other Romanians. The third factor is the personal friendships I have made with people who share my world view. Alexandru Machedon is a model of a successful entrepreneur not only in Moldova, but all over this part of the world. This is because he promotes innovation, new technologies and openness to the European model of society.
Reporter: How exactly will this partnership come about?
Ionuț Coman: We will put together ideas, experiences and capital to develop valuable projects both in Romania and in Moldova or other countries, when we decide together to expand. I have a lot to learn from Alexandru Machedon, especially the determination to perform in a much more hostile environment than the one we are used to. He has managed to build a large group in a capital city that is only 60 kilometres away from a frozen conflict, which makes many people suffer, no matter what language these people speak. Surely, if he has managed to do this in Moldova, he will be able to perform anywhere. And I am glad that he has agreed to start us on this new path together.
Reporter: What are your goals?
Ionuț Coman: Our group’s numbers have grown year by year, but together I believe we can grow them faster and in a sustainable way. Then there is a much better coverage of the business opportunities that Romania and Moldova offer. Last but not least, it is about selling products, materials and solutions made in the Republic of Moldova on the European market. This is where we bring into play the rich experience we have gained in the European single market, as well as the very serious network of partners and contacts we have built up over the past years. In this way, we can contribute directly, through actions and not just words, to helping Moldova on its path towards the European Union. I am convinced that Moldova’s accession will not only benefit its citizens; the European Union as a whole will benefit, because we are talking about people who have shown that they deserve to be part of the free world, who are capable of delivering creative, ingenious and scalable solutions and who will be a great asset to the European Union, including through the rich knowledge they have of countries in close proximity to Europe. And here I am referring to countries that can be serious partners of the European Union, such as Georgia or Kazakhstan. Who would know better the opportunities offered by these countries than our friends and brothers in Moldova? Together, we will be able to develop very good relations with valuable people in these regions. That is why I reaffirm that Moldova’s accession to the European Union is not only timely, but a necessary step that will produce great added value for all parties involved in this journey towards security, prosperity and confidence.
