Moldova Invest in dialogue with Ambassador of China to Romania, H.E. Han Chunlin – the special guest of the Moldova Economic Regional Forum, 2024
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
Ambassador of China to Romania, H.E. Han Chunlin, is the special guest of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, which will be organized this year in Vatra Dornei by the Center for Analysis and Planning for Regional Development (C.A.P.D.R.) and the Suceava County Council. In this context, the economic magazine Moldova Invest has dedicated its spring edition to promoting the investment potential of the Extended Moldova Region in anticipation of this highly important event for the regional economy of the entire Moldova, which is interdependent with Romania’s economic partners. The designation of “special guest” to the Chinese delegation at the Regional Economic Forum Moldova is based on solid economic grounds. On October 5, 1949, Romania was the third country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
At a time when the world is changing at a dizzying pace, a remarkable anniversary marks the map of international relations between our countries: the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and China. It is a moment of reflection on the past, but also an opportunity to look to the future with confidence and optimism.
The bilateral relations between Romania and the People’s Republic of China have a long history, representing a commitment of 75 years in cooperation and deep mutual understanding
Since October 5, 1949, when Romania became the third country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with China, the two countries have strengthened their ties in a variety of fields such as economy, trade, culture, technology, and education.
On September 7, 2022, the Ambassador of China to Romania, H.E. Han Chunlin, presented his letters of credence.
During this interview, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Romania emphasized the importance of continuing and intensifying exchanges between the cities and provinces of the two countries, highlighting the common commitment to promoting cross-border dialogue and collaboration. Additionally, he underscored the strong relations between the People’s Republic of China and Romania, emphasizing economic development and bilateral cooperation over the years.
Thus, despite the changes and instability at the international level, the connections between China and Romania have always been characterized by friendship, sincerity, and mutual respect. Currently, the two countries are committed to strengthening and expanding cooperation, both economically and culturally, a subject extensively addressed in this interview.
Ambassador of China to Romania, H.E. Han Chunlin: “China pays special attention to the Romanian market, and companies continue to come to Romania”
On October 5, 1949, Romania was the third country in the world to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In the current context, how do you assess the dimension of economic relations between the People’s Republic of China and Romania?
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Through uninterrupted efforts over the past 75 years, the Chinese people have achieved a development miracle in human history. The strength of the Chinese economy has experienced a historic rise, generally ranking as the world’s second-largest economy, the first in terms of the size of the manufacturing industry, the first in terms of goods trade, and the second in terms of the consumer market.
China has built the world’s largest railway and highway networks, leaving its mark on remarkable achievements in areas such as airports and ports, irrigation, energy industry, information, and many more.
Moldova Economic Economic Forum 2024 – Vatra Dornei, July 4–6
China’s emerging strategic industries are continuously expanding, making it one of the innovative countries.
Romania is the third country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, the relations between the two countries have been focused on solid cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect, mutual assistance, and the desire to achieve common goals. Since the beginning of the 21st century, bilateral relations have reached a new level.
“In 2023, the volume of trade between the two countries reached a new record of 10.56 billion US dollars”
In 2004, China and Romania established a comprehensive partnership of close cooperation. In the field of trade and business, the two countries signed an economic cooperation agreement and an agreement promoting and protecting investments made by China and Romania, established the Intergovernmental Economic Committee, formed working groups dedicated to infrastructure and free trade, the Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, and other cooperation and communication mechanisms.
In recent years, the economic and trade relations between China and Romania have maintained steady development, with the two countries actively engaging in pragmatic cooperation.
In 2023, the volume of trade between the two countries reached a new record of 10.56 billion US dollars, surpassing the 10 billion US dollar threshold for the third consecutive year and maintaining steady development, with the two countries actively engaging in pragmatic cooperation.
In 2023, the volume of trade between the two countries reached a new record of 10.56 billion US dollars, surpassing the 10 billion US dollar threshold for the third consecutive year and maintaining steady growth, with an increase of over tenfold compared to 20 years ago when it was less than one billion dollars.
China Tobacco International (Europe) Company has continuously paid taxes of over 100 million euros each year
China remains Romania’s largest trading partner outside of Europe and the largest in Asia. At the same time, an increasing number of high-quality Romanian products have entered the Chinese market, such as cosmetics, mineral water, wine, and other local products, gaining popularity among Chinese consumers.
According to Romanian statistics, in terms of investments, the total number of registered Chinese companies in Romania is nearly 14,000.
Chinese companies are investing in Romania across a wide range of fields, including trade and services, industrial production, agriculture, even covering other emerging industries such as green energy, information communication, and smart cities. Over time, Chinese companies have operated in accordance with the law in Romania, diligently fulfilling their social responsibilities, and actively contributing to Romania’s economic and social development.
Huawei has been anchored here for 20 years and has made significant contributions to the development of telecommunications technology
Currently, Huawei has over 1300 local employees, indirectly creating over 6000 jobs and being repeatedly honored as a Top Employer. Ningbo Junsheng Electronic and Ningbo Huaxiang Electronic are two Chinese auto parts companies with factories located in the city of Brașov, which have contributed to the local employment of over 4000 people.
China Tobacco International (Europe) Company has continuously paid taxes of over 100 million euros each year, making a significant contribution to local finances. Currently, China pays special attention to the Romanian market, and companies continue to come to Romania in search of new cooperation opportunities.
From an economic perspective, we have identified several successful examples in Eastern Europe regarding the involvement of Chinese companies in foreign investments.
Huawei has been operating in Serbia for 15 years, being one of the key partners of the Republic of Serbia in building the 5G network. In 2016, Huawei signed a $174 million (150 million euros) agreement for the modernization of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Another example is the Chinese company Zijin Mining Group, one of the world’s largest producers of copper ore.
Given the high demand for the metal considered vital for the global transition to energy, the company has invested $3.8 billion (3.5 billion euros) in developing a copper and gold mine in eastern Serbia
Considering the previous examples and the fact that your country is Romania’s second most important trading partner, with a total trade volume of 9 billion euros in 2022, how do you assess the future prospects of economic and trade relations between our countries?
The favorable economic relationship between China and Romania over the past 75 years has laid the groundwork for a promising future.
Currently, China is continuously working on deepening reforms and is determined to remain open to the world, not only for its own development but also to bring benefits to the entire world. China is now a significant trading partner for over 140 countries and regions and a major source of investment for an increasing number of countries.
In recent years, China’s contribution to global economic growth has remained around 30%.
In 2023, the Chinese economy grew again, with a GDP growth rate of 5.2%, higher than the expected target. As the world’s second-largest economy, China boasts a vast market, substantial labor force and human resources, a comprehensive industrial system, and rapid growth of new economic engines.
The overall strength and advantages of the Chinese economy are evident, and its foundation is solid. Therefore, the general trend of long-term improvement will not change.
As China and Romania celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations, China’s comprehensive and high-quality modernization will undoubtedly provide an unstoppable force for the development of Romania and other countries worldwide. Being a large country with a significant population and economic scale in Eastern Europe, Romania benefits from obvious geographical advantages. In recent years, its economic growth rate has been among the top in EU member states, and the trend towards green and digital transition is favorable.
Romania consistently demonstrates its economic potential in Europe. China is willing to work together with Romania to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, a major initiative, and to build a more dynamic economic and trade relationship through platforms such as China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) Cooperation.
The practical cooperation between the two countries has ample space and a promising future. We should always adopt a strategic and long-term perspective, continuously strengthen the foundation, seek common ground, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, support inclusive economic globalization beneficial to all, strengthen alignment on infrastructure development strategies, green and digital transition, and constantly achieve new accomplishments through cooperation. Let’s further solidify cooperation ties, create new opportunities and resources, better promote the development of both countries, and bring more benefits to our peoples.
“The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Romania will continue to actively promote exchanges between counties and cities in the two countries and serve as a ‘bridge’ for further exchanges”
Have you initiated collaborations with cities in Romania? Are there bilateral cooperation relations between Chinese cities and/or professional associations and those in Romania?
Over the years, various forms of exchanges have taken place between provinces (counties) and cities of the two countries, covering various fields such as economy and trade, investment, culture, science and technology, education, and sports. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local governments of the two countries have united in the fight against the pandemic, demonstrating the deep friendship between the two peoples.
Since being appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Romania, I have visited many cities in Romania and felt the enthusiasm of the people regarding the consolidation of cooperation between the two countries.
With the resumption of face-to-face communication, we encourage both parties to intensify reciprocal visits and to expand dialogue and exchanges in various fields. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Romania will continue to actively promote exchanges between provinces (counties) and cities in the two countries and serve as a ‘bridge’ for further exchanges between them.
In the summer of 2024, the Center for Regional Development Analysis and Planning, together with Suceava County Council and the North-East Regional Development Agency, will organize the second edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum – 2024. The format of the meeting will be oriented towards the regions of Southeast Europe. Ambassadors of partner states with which Romania has strengthened non-EU economic relations will also be invited. To what extent is your country interested in developing specific relations with the regions of Southeast European countries and, implicitly, participating in FERM 2024?
China insists on strengthening economic and trade exchanges and deepening cultural and interpersonal communication with European countries, including those in Southeast Europe, to solidify the friendship relationship.
The cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (China-CEEC Cooperation) is a trans-regional cooperation platform jointly built by China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, based on traditional friendship and the common will of all participants for mutually beneficial cooperation and development, which has achieved significant results.
China invites countries in Southeast Europe to actively participate in this cooperation platform and to carry out more economic and cultural activities to promote practical outcomes that benefit both peoples.
