Minister: Romania Competitive In IT Field, Must Focus On Developing Human Resources

Vreme said some major companies have opened development centers in Romania and companies IBM, Oracle and HP will continue their local businesses.

Asked what are the measures the Government may take to compensate for the losses resulting from the closing of Nokia’s local plant, the minister pointed out that Romania must focus on developing human resources in the IT field.

Nokia said in a press release last week it plans to close its manufacturing facility in Jucu by the end of 2011, citing the need to cut costs and bring efficiency to the business. The company said employees will continue to receive wages until the end of March 2012.

Nokia started mobile phone production at the Jucu plant in February 2008, following an investment of EUR60 million.

Earlier this year, the company said it was shutting down its Research and Development Center in Cluj, shedding about 120 employees. Nokia said at that time its plans to align its global workforce and consolidate site operations target to reduce its Devices & Services non-IFRS operating expenses by EUR1 billion in 2013, compared to 2010.