Today, the draft law that has been the subject of discussion for years regarding the simplification of licensing procedures for strategic investments will be presented for voting in front of the Plenary of the Parliament.

The main objective of this draft law, which received approval from the Ministry in 2019, is to establish comprehensive legislation that facilitates development in the Republic. It aims to achieve this by introducing streamlined licensing procedures for strategic development projects.

The revised draft, updated in January 2022, aims to implement a new policy of expedited development licensing. The primary goal is to attract investors for projects categorized as strategic investments. Notably, strategic investments exclude hotels and other residential developments, as the criteria focus on research, development, and technology investments. Furthermore, one of the key criteria for these investments is the creation of a specific number of new job opportunities.

Several significant changes are proposed within this new draft law. Firstly, it suggests the establishment of a centralized department responsible for issuing building permits within a maximum timeframe of one year. Additionally, it introduces the role of a project manager who will oversee and expedite the licensing process. This individual will be employed by the government and will serve as the intermediary between investors and the state, managing the various procedures involved. It's important to note that the applicant will bear the costs of the services provided by the project manager.

The new draft law brings about several noteworthy modifications. Firstly, it establishes the Department of Strategic Developments as the sole licensing authority, aiming to streamline the process and ensure prompt issuance of building permits at a central level within one year. Secondly, it introduces a clear mechanism for classifying developments as strategic based on specific criteria and outlines the procedures for their expedited licensing.

Moreover, the introduction of the project manager role is another key aspect of the new law. This individual will act as the primary point of contact for applicants, facilitating efficient communication and coordination with government services throughout the implementation of the strategic development.

To further enhance efficiency, the draft law includes the provision of binding timelines within the licensing process for strategic developments. These timelines will govern the issuance of required permits and stipulate the consultation process with relevant stakeholders, ensuring transparency and timely decision-making.

Lastly, the draft law institutionalizes the practice of conducting consultations through the Environmental Department. This allows for the solicitation of opinions from the Environmental Authority regarding certain projects, strengthening the environmental assessment process.

In summary, the proposed draft law aims to simplify and accelerate the licensing procedures for strategic investments. By establishing a centralized department, introducing a project manager role, and implementing binding timelines, the law seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and coordination in the development process. These changes are intended to attract investors and foster strategic development, while also ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and considering the broader impact of projects.