Trade Ministry official: Romanian exports' annual growth pace at 12 - 15% by 2015

The advance in exports will be mainly supported by outbound shipments of raw material, IT, as well as by tourism, the low-carbon industry and renewable energy.

Lianu said that Romania does not enjoy a high profile in the international flows of goods and that just like many other small and medium-sized countries, it is placed rather in a peripheral area by the intensity of trade. The intensity of exports also varies by regions and counties, with Ilfov (the county surrounding the capital city), Bucharest, the western cities of Cluj and Timisoara and the south-eastern Black Sea port of Constanta currently weighing heavier in outbound shipments, whereas the rest of the regions are less important.

Referring to the national export strategy for the interval 2011-2015, which is in the 'stage of acquiring government approval,' the Ministry of Economy official explained that Romania's future export portfolio will envisage raw materials, wooden furniture, agri-foods, wine, cosmetics and herbal health products, IT&C products, design products, electronics, environmental protection, the low-carbon industry and renewable energy sources.

Romania should lay emphasis on its natural attractiveness, Lianu said, adding that the country should capitalize on tourism, as well as on logistics, given its favorable geographical location on the east-to-west flow direction.

In 2010 Romania's exports hit a record high 37.3 billion euros. The country's exports have been growing steadily since November 2009, for 17 months now. According to estimates by the National Association of Exporters and Importers, exports this year will stand at 40 billion euros.