1. Hospitality call: After a soft opening, Calea Victoriei’s 424-room five-star Radisson SAS Hotel Bucharest officially launched. TV star Mihaela Radulescu and hotel manager Torbjorn Bodin (right picture, first from left) kicked off the extravaganza.

2. Ambassador of Qatar Mr Salem A Al-Jaber (Right picture, second from left) welcomed guests, including secretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Iulian Buga, to celebrate the First International Day of Democracy on 15 September, as the State of Qatar continues to chair the International Conference of New or Restored Democracies.

3. Czech Ambassador to Bucharest Petr Dokladal hosted the opening of the Bohemian Crystal Glass Exhibition at the National Museum of Arts (MNAR), sponsored by the Fortune Group, showcasing antique and modern glassware from central Europe.

4. Against a backdrop of fashion collections inspired by nature, Alpha Bank launched its new Visa Gold AlphaCard at Palatul Stirbey. The works on display were created by Agnes Toma and Dinasty, Ersa Atelier and others with the assistance of Crystalized Swarovski Elements.

5. While highlighting the need for further reform in Romania’s infrastructure, health and education sectors, the American Chamber of Commerce celebrated 15 years of acitivity in this country, with a concert and star-studded cast of speakers at the Romanian Athenaeum, including President Basescu, prime minister Tariceanu, US Ambassador Nicholas Taubman and president of AmCham Board of Directors, Alexandra Gatej.

6. Latin connection: An exhibition at the National Museum of Arts showing bronzes, sketches and paintings from Rome between the two world wars opened, with pieces by Mario Mafai (pictured), Scipione (Gino Bonichi), Afro Basaldella, Giuseppe Capogrossi, Fausto Pirandello and Ercole Drei.

7. New Pipera-based apartment project ‘North Park’ was launched at the Fratelli Club in Bucharest with a celebrity packed group of businesspeople and the capital’s glitterati. Developed by Israeli group Shapir and sold by Promark Real Estate, the project will stretch over eight hectares.