75 Years of Romanian-Chinese Relations:"Romania seeks the benefits of Chinese investments"

CGTN Europe interviewed Alin Marius Andrieș, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Finance, Government of Romania

Transcript

00:00China and Romania are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations.

00:11I spoke to the country's Secretary of State at the Romanian Ministry of Finance, Alin Marius Andriješ,

00:17to reflect on how that relationship has changed over the years and its importance for the Romanian economy.

00:24While the geopolitical context requires caution, Romania, of course, continues to pursue economic cooperation opportunities.

00:32For example, in 2024, Romania's export to China amounted to around 0.78 billion USD, while imports reach more than 8.5 billion USD.

00:45So China remains a key non-European trading partners for Romania, ranking ninth among all trading partners,

00:54and the second among non-European partners after Turkey.

00:59If we could talk about some specific investments and specific Chinese companies that have invested in Romania in your country,

01:06companies like Huawei, Ningbo, Joyson and Chint creating thousands of jobs in your country,

01:12what are the long-term benefits, do you think, and perhaps risks of these investments from Chinese companies?

01:17Romania seeks the benefits of Chinese investments, capital, jobs and even diversification of industrial partners,

01:25while ensuring projects are realistic and mutually advantageous within EU regulatory framework.

01:32Let me give you some examples of how Huawei's involvement in Romania's telecom infrastructure,

01:37especially through its 5G initiative, has played a key role in advancing digital connectivity.

01:43In the automotive sector, companies like Ningbo, Joyson and NBHX have established production facilities in Brasov,

01:53creating thousands of jobs and integrating Romania further inter-global supply chain.

01:58While these projects bring economic growth, job creation and technological transfer,

02:04Romania continues to evaluate such investments through the lens of national security, EU regulation and long-term strategic alignment.

02:12The recent American tariffs around the world, even though they're on hold,

02:17they still pose a serious challenge to global trade.

02:20How are they directly impacting and indirectly impacting the Romanian economy,

02:26and how does that colour Romania's relationship with China?

02:29Romania's export to the US amounted to over €2.2 billion in 2024,

02:35with a trade surplus of approximately €900 million,

02:40but only 2.5% of Romanian exports go to the US, and still exports are relatively limited.

02:48Other key export sectors include electrical machineries, automotive components and industrial equipment.

02:56The newly imposed US tariffs are expected to affect this sector,

03:00potentially leading to reduced demand and production costs.

03:03However, Romania's economy is closely tied to major European economies,

03:07particularly Germany, which is heavily impacted by the US tariffs.

03:12The disruption in German exports can cascade through the supply chain affecting Romanian manufacturers,

03:18supplying components and raw materials.

03:20ств.

03:22….

03:34So that's so a disaster.

03:35….

03:36….

03:38You