The Danube must be transformed into a true 'highway', a navigable route 365 days a year, with Romania, Serbia and Austria most interested in developing transport along this river, but it is essential that all Danube countries are brought to the discussion table, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) Mihai Daraban said.

He participated on Monday in an official meeting with Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, which was held at the Austrian Embassy headquarters in Bucharest.

The event was also attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu, according to a CCIR release.

According to the quoted source, at the opening of the meeting, Mihai Daraban addressed the importance of developing transport on the Danube, underscoring the fact that Romania, Serbia and Austria are the most interested states in developing this transport corridor, however it is essential that all Danube countries be brought to the discussions table.

'We must learn from the example of the Rhine and make the Danube a navigable route 365 days a year. Practically, we need to transform the Danube into a real 'highway.' The largest convoy on the Danube can carry approximately 12,000 tons of goods - a capacity equivalent to dozens of trucks or train wagons. This is a major competitive advantage which we must capitalize on to the fullest. In the context of Ukraine's reconstruction, the development of the Danube infrastructure becomes even more relevant for ensuring safe and efficient transport routes. It is a strategic opportunity that we must not miss,' the CCIR president said, as quoted in the release.

Regarding the reconstruction process of Ukraine, the Austrian official underscored that it is a strategic priority for Austria and a major opportunity for cooperation with Romania.

'Your country plays a crucial logistical role in this process, serving as a strategic hub for access to Ukraine, either via the Danube or the Black Sea. Therefore, our bilateral cooperation is more important than ever. We must be clear: the reconstruction effort cannot be supported exclusively by European taxpayers. We need active involvement from the private sector. This is not only a fiscal necessity, but also a significant economic opportunity for companies in both countries. Together, Austria and Romania can play a decisive role in the reconstruction and future development of Ukraine,' Beate Meinl-Reisinger said. AGERPRES(RO - editing by: Nicoleta Gherasi; EN - writing by: Rodica State)