The European Business Women’s Employers’ Association PEFA announces the start of the national Business Outlook 2026 project, by organizing the first conference in the series of regional dialogues, in Sibiu. The initiative aims to connect local entrepreneurial ecosystems and provide a realistic, data-driven and dialogue-driven picture of the evolution of the Romanian economy.
The event, organized in partnership with Hilton Hotel Sibiu, brings together leaders from the business environment, local authorities, financial institutions and representatives of civil society, in a framework dedicated to applied debates and the identification of concrete solutions for regional economic development.
The theme of the Sibiu edition – “Innovation, Industry and Competitiveness” – reflects the strategic directions essential for strengthening the business environment in Romania, in a context marked by accelerated economic transformations, digitalization and macroeconomic pressures.
The conference also marks the presentation of data from the 2026 Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership Index, the first tool for systematically measuring women’s participation in the Romanian economy, as well as an important benchmark for substantiating public policies and development strategies.
“Business Outlook 2026 is more than a series of events – it is a strategic platform for dialogue and action. We aim to bring together the relevant voices from each region and to build, based on local data and realities, clear directions for Romania’s sustainable economic development. Sibiu is an example of good practice in terms of collaboration between the public and private sectors, which is why we chose this city for the launch of the project.
Andreea Negru, President of PEFA: “Through Business Outlook 2026, we want to create an authentic framework for dialogue between entrepreneurs, authorities and institutional partners. The analysis of the real barriers and opportunities in the economy, as well as the presentation of the results of the Entrepreneurship and Women’s Leadership Index, are concrete steps towards a more inclusive and competitive economy.
Lorena Stoian, First Vice-President of PEFA: The structure of the event includes two main panels dedicated to female entrepreneurship and the dialogue between entrepreneurs and local authorities, followed by networking sessions and exchange of good practices. The Business Outlook 2026 project will continue in several regions of the country, contributing to strengthening a coherent vision of economic development and strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors. The conference also marks an important moment for the development of the organization, by announcing the launch of the PEFA Sibiu branch, which will have the role of coagulating and energizing the local business community, facilitating dialogue between entrepreneurs, authorities and institutional partners.
The event in Sibiu benefits from the support of the partners: BCR – main partner, Garanti BBVA Romania – strategic partner, along with the partners – PPC Romania, Exim Banca Românească, ejobs, ia job.ro, Hotel Hilton Sibiu, Advanced Energy Services, Association for the Development of Local Entrepreneurship (ADAA) and Deea Consulting. Institutional partners: Department for Sustainable Development, ICI Bucharest, SME Romania. Media partners: Antena 3CNN, Agerpres, Financial Intelligence, Club Economic, Economistul, Transilvania Business, Ziarul Bursa, IAMNews, stiripesurse.ro, News.ro, Profit.ro, InvesTenergy, The Diplomat, EM360, Clubantreprenor.ro, Focus Energetic, Money.ro, Energy Industry Reviews, NewsOne, V4Media, IubimBrasovul Group.
Agenda Business Outlook 2026- Sibiu
Panel I — Official opening – (10:30 – 11:30)
Speakers:
- Andreea Negru — President of PEFA
- Lorena Stoian — First Vice-President of PEFA
- Adrian Dan Pop – Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism
- Eduard Bachide – Secretary of State, Ministry of National Defense
- Emilian Chirea – Brigadier General, Deputy Chief of Staff for Support at the Multinational Corps South-East Command
- Anca Iordache- Director zonal Retail BCR
LAUNCH of PEFA Sibiu Branch (11.30-11.45)
Panel II — Business Outlook 2026: Sibiu, business model for Romania (11:30 – 12:30) Speakers :
- Alin Grigore – Director of the General Directorate of Tourism MEAT
- Oana Albu- Head of PPC Shops
- Roxana Drăghici- Director de vanzari & Employer Branding eJobs
- Răzvan Oleniuc- Director regional GARANTI BBVA
- Dumitru Todosiuc- Colonel, Commander of the Land Forces Academy Sibiu
- Alexandra Dostățean – Director of the Sibiu Branch, Exim Banca Românească
- Roxana Panaitescu- CFO, Hotel Hilton Sibiu
- Ionela Rotaru – Associate Fusion Romania
- Anabela Luca-Founder&CEO adLemonade