The Government's best support for the stock market is not to ' stay in the way', said Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who attended the Bucharest Stock Exchange year launch party on Monday evening (February 3). “Should you have the same kind of support from the Financial Surveillance Authority, things are in the right direction,” he added.

Ponta, who attended the stock market opening at the London Stock Exchange last year (in picture) when state-owned Romgaz was listed both at home and in London, reminded attendees of the previous year, which he called “ a year of confidence and courage” that Romania too can develop. He also suggested even more trust is needed in capitalizing Romania's regional role for capital markets too.

The event, which gathered over 200 people from the capital market, including state officials, heads of brokerage firms, representatives of the local stock exchange BVB, was presided by BVB head Ludwik Sobolewski.

Gabriel Dumitrascu, the head of Romania's energy department privatizations, received a special prize during the evening, for his contribution to the local capital market. Under his leadership, Romania listed 15 percent in Romgaz on the BVB. Three more listings are expected for this year: Hidroelectrica, with an ongoing process, Electrica and Complexul Energetic Oltenia.

The event also included an art auction held by Artmark, and proceeds from the auction were donated to two charities, OvidiuRo and Hospice Casa Sperantei.

Corina Chirileasa, corina@romania-insider.com