Trade exchanges between Romania and UK have reached a good level, but there is still room for improvement, and the best way for the Bucharest authorities to boost them is to continue the anti-corruption fight and create a platform for investments, to be more transparent and clearer, the British Ambassador to Bucharest Paul Brummell stated on Thursday, at the reception occasioned by the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday.
“I believe that the current level of trade exchanges is good, exceeding three billion euros, but the balance right now is to the advantage of Romania, with a growth by almost 4-5 per cent. We believe that we can reach a better level, but Romania’s attractions are still insufficiently known in the UK. And this is why we try to promote Romania among the British companies. We have brought a British delegation of 50 companies here recently, in fact. However, it’s important Romania also does something in this respect, like, for instance, continue to fight corruption and create a platform for investments to be more transparent and clearer. I believe that Romania’s prospects are very good and very positive,’ the British Ambassador stated, when asked about the target he had in mind for the UK regarding the trade relations with Romania.
According to ambassador Brummel, UK is interested in to expand partnership with Romania on fields such as the information technology, energy and transport infrastructure projects and environment.
When asked if the recent developments on the Romanian political scene affect the British investors’ trust, the Ambassador said: ‘We support the fight against corruption in Romania,’ reiterating the embassy doesn’t comment on individual cases.
A photo exhibition presented at the reception, showing successful Romanians living in the UK, but also about London’s intention to limit benefits for immigrants was displayed during the reception.
‘They (Romanians in UK) are free to work and study in the UK. And I believe that the purpose of this project [of the photo exhibition — e.n.] is to prove that there are very many successful Romanians in the UK. From Sir George Iacobescu from Canary Wharf to the four thousand Romanians working as doctors or medical staff in the national healthcare system in the UK. Of course that there is also a small minority of offenders and in this respect I am happy that we have a very good cooperation between the British and Romanian policemen,’ Paul Brummell stated.
The reception also occasioned the unveiling of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait and the cutting of a birthday cake with the message ‘Cake is Great.’ The message is part of the British Government’s international marketing campaign ‘Great’ promoting the UK, Agerpres reports.