Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Bucharest Monday that China will work with Romania to promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Hu told Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase that China now imports about US$500 billion worth of goods a year, and there are great potentials that can be tapped.

"Governments of the two countries can work together to provide convenience for enterprises of the two sides so that they can establish direct contact and start practical cooperation," he said.

China and Romania established full diplomatic relations 55 years ago. Hu noted that China and Romania have supported each other and their friendship has withstood the test of time.

"China attaches great importance to its relations with Romania and see Romania as an important cooperative partner," he said. "China is ready to work with Romania for a higher level of cooperative relations."

Nastase said all political parties of Romania are in favor of expanding relations with China and the Romanian government fully supports cooperation in all areas with China.

The Romanian prime minister said Romania welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the infrastructure construction in Romania.

Also on the same day, Hu met with Romanian Chairman of Senate Nicolae Vacaroiu and Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Valer Dorneanu.

Hu arrived in Romania on Saturday and met with Romanian President Ion Iliescu on Sunday.

Romania is the third leg of Hu's four-nation tour after Poland and Hungary. He will travel to Uzbekistan for a state visit and to attend the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2004)