"Romania's entry to the European Union offers great investment opportunities and we want more Indian companies to invest in our country," said Mr Dorin Refca, Senior Counselor, Ministry of Small & Medium-Sized Companies, Trade, Tourism and Liberal Professions, Romania.
He was addressing a business meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the Romanian Economic delegation here on Monday.
Mr Refca said the Romania-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), when it comes into force, would increase bilateral trade between the two countries.
He also disclosed that an India-Romania Joint Business Council (JBC) on oil and gas would meet in December. A permanent Indian Trade Centre would be opening in Bucharest next year, he said.
The Romanian Ambassador in India, Mr Vasile Sofineti, said he expected India-Romania trade to touch $1 billion next year. In fact, in the first eight months of 2007, bilateral trade has already reached $530 million, he said.
Earlier welcoming the Romanian delegation, Mr V K Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director, Inapex Ltd, said India offered great investment opportunities to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
"Though India-Romania trade exchange is very small, there is tremendous growth potential, Mr Mathur said".