The EBRD is interested in funding software development parks and digital cities

C.I.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development expressed its willingness to get involved in funding software or industrial parks and digital cities, and also agreed to extend its funding of the projects of the Romanian National Post Company, according to a press release by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCSI). A delegation led by Minister Gabriel Sandu, met with the officials of the EBRD, at the end of last week. The meeting, which was a follow-up of the previous meeting held in February 2009, continues the process for identifying concrete projects as part of the National Broadband Strategy, which would be funded by the EBRD, as well as finding concrete solutions for extending the contract between the Romanian Post Company and the EBRD.

A draft roadmap was devised, which would result in the presentation of three projects by the EBRD, on May 26th, in Bucharest: digital television, Wimax technology, and most important, the expansion of the "knowledge-based economy" project.

Following the presentation of the new development avenues by the Ministry, the EBRD expressed its availability to get involved in funding software or industrial park projects, as well as digital cities. As for the continuation of partnership between the EBRD and the Romanian Post Office, Minister Gabriel Sandu outlined the avenues of the new restructuring program of the Romanian Post Company, which proves the determination of the new management team to modernize and streamline the company. Given the steps taken to cut costs and diversify the services offered by the company, the EBRD has decided to continue funding the initially agreed program. Varel D. Freeman, First Vice President of the EBRD, expressed his hope that the constructive involvement of the EBRD will be part of the process to modernize and expand the range of services provided by the Romanian Post Office.

EBRD officials who attended the meeting include Business Group Director, Peter Reininger, Telecommunications Director Michelle Senecal de Fonseca, and Senior banker for Telecommunications, IT and Media Dan Ştefănescu.