The National Confederation for Female Entrepreneurship (CONAF) and the National Bank of Romania (BNR) have signed a partnership to develop joint economic and financial education projects.
"This partnership represents the natural meeting between the fundamental monetary authority of the Romanian state and the most relevant business organisation dedicated to female entrepreneurship, united by the conviction that economic and financial education is an essential condition for societal maturity, for strengthening the business environment, and for increasing the capacity for informed decision-making at both individual and collective levels," CONAF said in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Thursday.
According to the source, the purpose of the agreement is to facilitate cooperation between CONAF and BNR in developing joint economic and financial education initiatives, within an inter-institutional framework where the initiatives of both entities are aligned, coordinated, and oriented towards systemic impact.
The partnership establishes the basis for a continuous exchange of expertise and experience, leveraging the results of both institutions in the field of economic and financial education.
"Economic and financial education is not optional in a modern economy; it forms the quiet foundation underpinning a society's stability, trust, and capacity for sound decision-making in complex circumstances. The partnership between CONAF and the National Bank of Romania recognises a simple truth: economies fail not from a lack of ambition, but from a lack of understanding. Enduring decisions are rarely made under immediate pressure; they are built on education, rigour, and clarity. This agreement is not about completing an initiative, but about instilling a lasting habit shifting economic education from the theoretical realm to the heart of entrepreneurial and institutional life, at a time when global volatility is no longer exceptional, but the norm. The alliance between a national business organisation and the central bank offers the potential for an impact that extends beyond short-term cycles, generating lasting structural change," said Cristina Chiriac, President of CONAF, as quoted in the release.
She added that the partnership represents a long-term commitment "to transform economic knowledge into a real competitive advantage, a tool for risk reduction, and concrete support for better-informed entrepreneurial decisions."
Cristina Chiriac also noted that, for Romania's economy, "this is a necessary step towards a more mature economic culture, capable of providing direction, stability, and clear benchmarks for the generations that will build the future."
"Investing in general economic education, from which financial literacy stems, is the most secure investment in a nation's human capital. It lays the foundation for a responsible and prosperous society, capable of meeting challenges competitively, with balance and wisdom. At its core, economic and financial education cultivates well-informed citizens, guided by realistic goals and responsible choices; it fosters strong and competitive entrepreneurship, good governance, and sound economic policy. While the role of authorities is crucial, lasting success depends on collaborative effort and robust partnerships with the academic sector and the entrepreneurial community," according to the messages conveyed during sector events by Vice-Governor Cosmin Marinescu, as presented in the release.
The CONAF-BNR partnership aims to explore and develop new educational programmes tailored to the specific needs of target groups, as well as to carry out information exchanges designed to enhance joint projects and maximise their national impact.
Through this agreement, the two institutions commit to active and rigorous collaboration: conducting joint research, educational and dissemination activities; supporting each other in promoting initiatives; ensuring the visibility of joint projects; and planning, monitoring, evaluating, and communicating results, while respecting each party's institutional identity and role.
The agreement is set for a period of three years and represents a strategic step in strengthening a coherent national framework for economic and financial education, built on responsibility, rigour, and medium- to long-term vision.
The National Confederation for Female Entrepreneurship advocates for more effective dialogue with authorities, cooperation in developing public policies that lead to sustainable economic growth, and support for entrepreneurs. CONAF was established to create a modern, sustainable, and fair entrepreneurial culture, not only for female entrepreneurship but for the broader business environment. CONAF comprises 31 branches, 3 federations, 13 employers' associations, 38 associations, and 8,000 companies, employing over 245,000 people.
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