Among the Arab countries, Romania's strongest business relationship is with Saudi Arabia, with the bilateral economic figures being among the highest, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR) Mihai Daraban said on Monday at a Romania - Saudi Arabia Business Forum organised on the sidelines of the visit to our Romania of a Saudi business delegation.

'I am sure that we have the strongest business relationship with Saudi Arabia. Basically, among the Arab countries, the bilateral economic figures are the highest. Last year we reached EUR 1.317 billion only from the exchange of goods. We have another EUR 62 million in the exchange of services. It is very important that we have 270 companies running on Saudi capital in Romania. Among the companies in the Companies Register, there are 270 companies with at least one shareholder holding a Saudi passport. All these companies have a paid-up capital of approximately EUR 24 million,' said Daraban.

He introduced the visiting Saudi businesspeople to Romania's investment projects especially in the port of Constanta.

'We presented the projects we have at least within the limits of the port of Constanta. With the three development zones, the island, pier 3 and pier 4, there are a number of advantages of having these platforms operational in the next few years, as the port of Constanta is not only a maritime, but also an inland port. As the canal between the Danube and the Black Sea flows within the limits of the port, any transshipment between sea going vessels and inland vessels can be done under very safe conditions, regardless of weather conditions.'

According to Daraban, Saudi businesspeople can use the Danube to reach landlocked countries in Central Europe, such as Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany.

Daraban promised that the Romanian side will get involved in running a Romanian trade mission to Saudi Arabia in late January or early February 2025.

Also attending the forum, Natalia-Elena Intotero, deputy speaker of Romania's Chamber of Deputies, said that Romania offers more than a partnership, namely stability and opportunities.

'We are the strategic gateway to the European Union, with full access to the internal market of over 450 million consumers. Romania offers more than a partnership. It offers scale, stability and opportunities. (...) The Port of Constanta, the largest port on the Black Sea, and a vital hub in the Europe-Asia transit corridor, makes Romania an ideal logistics and distribution hub for Saudi businesses. Expansion in Europe, whether in agriculture, IT and maritime, renewable energy or industrial development, Romanian infrastructure and alignment of EU regulations provide seamless access to the market at low risk,' said Intotero.

She invited the Saudi guests to visit and invest especially in Hunedoara County.

'Hunedoara is one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions of Romania, but above all, it is a land of opportunities for investors who want to grow in a region ready for transformation. Strategically located in western Romania, Hunedoara enjoys direct access to the A1 motorway, the main transport corridor connecting Romania to Central and Western Europe. It offers fast and cost-effective logistics for any industrial and commercial investment, making it an excellent location for production and distribution. Hunedora also stands out for its highly qualified workforce. With two strong academic centres, the University of Petrosani and the Polytechnic University of Timisoara, the county benefits from a constant flow of qualified engineers, IT specialists and professionals ready to contribute to innovation and growth. Traditionally known for its metallurgical and mechanical industry, the county is now diversifying towards IT, renewable energy, smart manufacturing and green technologies,' said Intotero.

In his turn, Mohammed Salah Mutabagani, chairman of the Saudi Arabia-Romania Business Council, said that the visit of the delegation of businessmen takes place as a result of Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening cultural, economic and sports relations with Romania.

'The Saudi-Romanian Business Council strongly believes that the opportunities between our countries are vast and diverse, transforming energy, agriculture, industry, manufacturing, tourism and modern technology, as well as promising areas for cultural and sports cooperation, which bring our people closer together and promote mutual understanding,' Mutabagani said.

Mohammed Abdulghani Khayat, the Saudi ambassador in Bucharest, said in his turn that the large delegation coming from Riyadh focuses on an efficient business relationship between the two countries. 'We really want to have a lot of business together,' the Saudi diplomat said.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania on Monday organised the Romania-Saudi Arabia Business Forum on the sidelines a visit of Mohammed Salah Mutabagani, chairman of the Saudi Arabia-Romania Business Council, and of a Saudi business delegation composed of companies from real estate development and construction, agriculture, logistics and transport, IT&C, furniture, and consulting services. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Cristian Anghelache; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)