Romania's Business Services Sector Hits €35.5 Billion, Eyes High-Value Growth

Romania's business services industry is rapidly becoming a powerhouse, contributing a hefty 35.5 billion euros to the local economy in 2025 – roughly 10% of the country's total economic output. This impressive growth, highlighted in the new 'Business Services Comparative Analysis 2025' study by Deloitte Romania for ABSL, solidifies Romania's standing as a top strategic destination for global investments in the sector. The country now hosts over 1,000 service centers, employing more than 280,000 people, making it one of the most developed markets in Central and Eastern Europe. What's driving this success? Romania offers a large, highly skilled workforce with strong foreign language abilities, good productivity, and competitive costs, attracting international companies seeking more than just basic support. The sector is evolving beyond simple tasks, moving into complex, higher-value activities like technology development, data analysis, automation, and Artificial Intelligence, with 15.2% of the country's highly educated workforce now in this sector. However, staying competitive means constantly investing in new technology and improving skills, as challenges like talent retention and rising labor costs begin to emerge. Looking ahead, the industry's focus is on developing 'Centers of Excellence' that can manage advanced processes for companies worldwide, rather than just competing on price. Recent changes in Romania's foreign direct investment (FDI) framework in March 2026, which simplified some investment rules and raised the review threshold, aim to make the country even more appealing to investors. However, industry leaders like ABSL have also pointed to the need for clear government strategies on education and potential tax incentives to ensure Romania maintains its long-term attractiveness amidst stiff regional competition.