Ivan Lokere (Alinso Group): For the longer term, it remains to be seen if the positive effects for Europe of the de-globalization trend can compensate for the negative effects of the temporary slowdown in consumption

After featuring in an exclusive BR interview in April, during the first weeks of the pandemic, in which he talked about Romania’s potential for attracting international investments, Business Review sat down once again with Ivan Lokere, CEO Alinso Group for a quick follow up interview about the current state of the Romanian market, investment plans and his take on how 2021 will look.

Business Review: How does the market look after 5 months of Covid-19 pandemic?

Ivan Lokere: The impact on the economy of the pandemic has been strongly mitigated, so far, thanks to several measures taken by governments. As our business is concerned, the impact was limited, for the moment, but it is still unclear how the situation will look like next year. Given the delay of decisions taken for long term investment goods, there will remain a significant impact in 2021. For the longer term, it remains to be seen if the positive effects for Europe of the de-globalization trend can compensate for the negative effects of the temporary slowdown in consumption. Regarding Romania, we should not forget that the Romanian economy was in an upside trend, and therefore, although the growth might be at a slower pace, we see no reasons to believe that the upside growing trend would not continue.

Business Review: There are news of several investments planned in this period. What are your plans for investments?

Ivan Lokere: We continue to analyse investment opportunities, but nothing concrete, so far. We see no reason for being in a hurry, as better opportunities might come later during the year.

Business Review: Did the ROI changed after the pandemic or is it the same?

Ivan Lokere: We did not start new business lines since the pandemic, therefore we cannot comment on this point.

Business Review: How do you think the market will look in 2021?

Ivan Lokere: It is unclear what will be the growing and strong sectors for 2021, but in general we might conclude that the sectors which were in an upward trend before the pandemic will also be the strongest sectors during 2021. What is certain is that a lot of industries and companies will face a very challenging 2021.