As global markets continue to shift and evolve, the economic relationship between the United States and Romania is quietly gaining momentum. American companies are increasingly active in the Romanian market, with 2022 marking a record year — and 2025 showing signs of approaching that benchmark once again.
Based on the latest reports, at the heart of this trend is Bucharest, Romania’s capital and economic powerhouse. Boasting a GDP larger than that of Bulgaria, Bucharest alone hosts more than half of all American-affiliated businesses in the country. To date, 284 U.S.-involved companies have set up shop in the city, followed by Cluj (33 companies) and Ilfov (28), underscoring a clear concentration of American capital in the southern and central regions of Romania.
Global Vigilance S.R.L., one of the Romanian subsidiaries of Carstens Consulting Global Inc., registered in Bucharest, earned a place among top-performing US companies in Romania in 2023 based on turnover — a testament to its strong market positioning, operational excellence, and strategic alignment with regional growth trends. This achievement marks more than just a financial milestone; it reflects the company’s expanding role in shaping high-impact, cross-border advisory services in Eastern Europe. As Global Vigilance continues to deepen its presence in Romania, it stands as a key pillar in Carstens Consulting Global’s broader vision for long-term, sustainable growth across emerging markets.
Unsurprisingly, the sectors seeing the most traction are software development, business consulting, energy, and advertising — industries where American innovation and service delivery already excel. These are fertile grounds for startups and established firms alike, and Romania’s skilled, cost-effective workforce continues to be a magnet for growth.
The Untapped Opportunity: 14 Counties with Strategic Potential
While the current distribution of investment is promising, there’s an even greater opportunity waiting just beyond the capital. Fourteen Romanian counties have yet to attract a single American-owned company in the past three years. For investors and strategic planners, this gap presents a two-fold opportunity:
- Market Expansion – These regions offer lower operating costs, abundant local talent, and untapped consumer markets.
- Diplomatic Leverage – As Romania and the U.S. work toward balancing trade relations, expanding American business presence into underrepresented areas supports broader economic and geopolitical goals.
The counties ripe for strategic investment include: Alba, Galați, Neamț, Giurgiu, Ialomița, Olt, Călărași, Tulcea, Satu Mare, Covasna, Harghita, Buzău, Vâlcea, and Vrancea.
These regions are not just “blank spots on the map” — they represent frontiers of opportunity for companies willing to get ahead of the curve. With the Romanian government actively courting foreign investment and local leaders eager to put their counties on the economic map, now is the time to explore these emerging markets.
A Strategic Path Forward
At Carstens Consulting Global Inc., we help international businesses identify high-impact opportunities in evolving markets. Romania is a case study in what happens when economic potential meets political will — and we’re here to guide investors, innovators, and policymakers every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to expand your footprint in Bucharest or pioneer new ground in untapped counties, we provide the insight, strategy, and on-the-ground connections to make your vision a reality.
Let’s talk strategy.
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