Press Release
June 10th, 2026
Bucharest
ABSL Awards Gala 2026
Centers of Excellence and Advanced Skills Can Transform Romania into a Regional and Global Leader in Business Services
In a market where competition based solely on costs is no longer a differentiating factor, companies in the business services industry are continuously optimizing their operating models and workforce structures, directing resources toward high value-added activities and future-relevant skills.
This was one of the key conclusions highlighted during the ABSL Awards Gala 2026, held on June 9, which brought together leaders from one of the most important sectors of the Romanian economy.
With approximately 280,000 employees and a contribution that places the sector among the top five industries contributing to Romania’s GDP, the business services industry remains one of the country’s most dynamic drivers of economic growth.
According to industry leaders, 2026 is defined by a combination of major opportunities and challenges driven by the evolution of digital technologies, the transformation of the labor market, and global competition for investments.
One of the most significant challenges facing the business services industry is maintaining Romania’s competitiveness in an increasingly demanding regional and international environment.
While cost efficiency was once one of the main arguments for attracting investments, companies today are looking for markets capable of providing advanced skills, expertise, stability, and the ability to support complex operations.
“In an increasingly competitive market, differentiation will be driven by advanced capabilities and organizations’ ability to develop Centers of Excellence that coordinate processes and functions with regional and global impact. Romania has all the advantages needed to strengthen this position,” said Adrian Baron, President of ABSL Romania.
An increasing number of global organizations are seeking partners that can provide expertise, flexibility, and the ability to manage complex international processes. In this context, Romania benefits from important competitive advantages: highly skilled professionals, strong technical and language capabilities, and a mature business services ecosystem.
Another important topic discussed during ABSL Awards Gala 2026 was the need to strengthen Romania’s country brand and promote the country as an attractive destination for investments and careers in business services. In this regard, ABSL aims to continue promoting the industry’s contribution to the national economy and supporting initiatives focused on attracting investments, developing skills, and strengthening Romania’s image in international markets.
ABSL Awards Gala 2026 celebrated excellence, innovation, and projects that contribute to transforming the business services industry into one of Romania’s most competitive and modern economic sectors.
ABSL Awards Gala 2026 is organized by ABSL Romania, with the support of British American Shared Service Europe and ENGIE GBS Romania as Main Partners, as well as Corporate Office Solutions (COS), Deloitte Romania, IO Partners, PwC Romania, Regina Maria, Steelcase, and Zamfirescu Racoți Vasile & Partners (ZRVP), strategic partners of ABSL Romania.
About ABSL
ABSL Romania is the leading organization representing Romania’s business services industry. ABSL brings together companies operating in Shared Services Centers, Business Process Outsourcing, Information Technology Outsourcing, and Research & Development, alongside partners that contribute to the development of the local ecosystem.
Romania is one of Europe’s leading destinations for IT services and business process outsourcing, hosting operations developed by some of the world’s largest companies.