Romania's plan to drop the VAT on bread products sparked debate last week, when the World Bank also lowered the growth prediction for the country. Meanwhile, the Romanian currency reached strongest rate against euro since Feb 2012.

On the private companies side, cold cuts producer Cris-tim entered the dairy segment, while there were announcements of new money on its way to Romania: EUR 135 million investment in a wind farm, and EUR 30 million in a shopping center.

The top business stories of last week below.

Romania plans VAT drop on bread in pilot project

Romanian currency reaches strongest rate against euro since Feb 2012 at prospect of inclusion on emerging market bond index

World Bank lowers 2013 growth prediction for Romania

Romanian cold cuts producer Cris-Tim opens cattle farm, enters dairy segment

Sprider Stores plan profitability in Romania in 2013

Lukoil – ERG joint venture to invest EUR 135 mln in Romanian wind park

Romanian real estate developer AFI Europe borrows EUR 30 mln to finalize Ploiesti shopping center

Worst EU car sales results for 17 years, drop in Romania was more than twice EU average, but Dacia sales rise

editor@romania-insider.com