Romanian Trade Minister-designate Eugen Dijmarescu in Bucharest Monday spoke highly of trade ties between his country and China, which have developed smoothly over the past few years.  

During his meeting with Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Chen Jian, who heads a large Chinese business delegation, Dijmarescu said Chen's visit was a landmark in bilateral cooperation.

Dijmarescu and Chen discussed cooperation projects and hailed the rapid growth in bilateral trade, which rose 27 percent in 2003, reaching US$1 billion.

"Of course, this amount may increase and I hope that the discussions will lead to this," Dijmarescu said.

Chen is accompanied by heads of 11 large Chinese companies, who are interested in building Bucharest's ring road and a bridge across the Danube River.

The Chinese entrepreneurs are also considering building a telephone system, setting up an industrial park for consumer electronics and a motorcycle manufacturing factory, and upgrading hydro-electric power stations in Romania.

Dijmarescu hoped that China will sign a customs cooperation agreement with Romania as early as possible.

On Monday, Dijmarescu and Chen also attended an economic forum with Romanian and Chinese businessmen at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2004)