President Traian Basescu stated at the end of CELAC-EU Summit that companies in Romania have a chance resume their exports on the markets of Latin American countries, bearing in mind the existing trade agreements or to be concluded between the EU and states in this area, Mediafax reports.
Basescu emphasized that the meeting of EU leaders in Santiago de Chile with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have agreed a strategic partnership with major benefits in terms of trade, given that trade between the two regions amounted to 200 billion euro in 2012.
"Therefore I believe that within this strategic partnership there is an opportunity for Romania, the Romanian economy is definitely competitive in the Latin America and the Caribbean, and alongside the framework provided by this summit it will allow Romanian companies to diversify their export markets because as it happened over the last two or three years with the return to the Arab markets , we must return on the South American and Caribbean markets in order not be so dependent on whatever happens within the EU " Basescu said.
He pointed out that Romania's trade with Latin America registered an "explosive growth" of 47% in 2012, rising to $ 1.3 billion in the first 11 months, of which 700 million were Romanian exports.
“I can tell you that there were economic missions and Astra Cars Arad presented offers for freight cars, passenger trains, metro trains it is a company that heads for success. Romarm also carried assessment missions and it also has the perspective of some good contracts. Last, but not least, mechanical engineering, electrical house ware also have very good prospects in Latin America. It means a return of ours there where we used to be, but with different quality products including oil equipment, which is now exported from Romania to Latin America, " Basescu said.
He also stressed that Romania should focus on these markets given the lesson of the euro zone recession in recent years, which has affected exports and our economy. "The lesson of the Euro zone , affecting Romania, is one we are experiencing today, which we experienced last year too, we will experience it in 2013, hopefully 2014 will be better, but it is clear that Latin America, the member states of CELAC, provide a solution to extend our foreign trade, "Basescu argued.
He also mentioned the possibility of Romania organizing a "political tour" in South America, including meetings with business communities in these countries. "I think it will have to be as soon as possible, as soon as possible does not mean tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, but to organize a political tour, meetings with the business community to enhance this opportunity for the Romanian economy," Basescu added .