Romania has the potential to become a regional vector of technology and innovation in the coming decades, and investments in education, research and development are fundamental in achieving this goal, which will offer substantial competitive advantages, President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday at the event “165 years of official statistics in Romania”, in a message presented by presidential adviser Cosmin Marinescu.

According to the president, “through judicious statistics, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) has demonstrated a consistent commitment to rigor and excellence” and has contributed to the correct information of society.

“The vision for Romania’s development must be centered on economic competitiveness, technological innovation and social inclusion. Through statistical data, we can identify opportunities and anticipate changes.

Our ability to adapt to data and information is essential for progress and predictability. Statistics play a central role in this process, providing essential data to assess the needs of the labor market, to develop educational programs and to stimulate entrepreneurial initiatives,” Iohannis stressed.

He drew attention to efforts to reduce development disparities and inequality of opportunity in society. “Statistics show us where the biggest challenges are and support the design of specific programs for an equitable and inclusive society,” the president added.

According to him, today’s main challenge in modern society is no longer access to data and information, but how it is used to communicate and inform decision-making.

Iohannis pointed out that the INS data show that, in the last two decades, the economic performance of our country has been “remarkable”.

Romania has recorded an average annual real GDP growth rate of 3.8 percent, almost three times the European average, the head of state emphasized.

“Also, according to statistical estimates, Romania’s economic convergence is advancing significantly to 80 percent of the Union’s average by the end of 2024,” the president indicated.

Klaus Iohannis maintained that the national endeavors with far-reaching results are those based on reliable statistical data.

The president encouraged the promotion of economic and financial education for a better understanding of the market economy and the impact of public policies on the business environment.

The National Statistical Institute was decorated with the Cultural Merit Order, Category H – ‘Scientific Research’, in the rank of Commander, “a distinction that reflects both the recognition of the performance of statistics specialists and the urge to accelerate the current direction of modernization of the INS”.