Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is in Bucharest, where he's met Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta and other top leaders. His itinerary also include talks with Central and Eastern European (CEE) leaders, a business forum aimed at strengthening economic ties. He's accompanied by a delegation of over one-thousand business leaders, including representatives of China's some largest firms.

In Victoria Palace -- Romania's seat of government -- Li and his Romanian counterpart Ponta, oversaw the signing of the new memorandum of understanding. Bilateral trade between the two countries now stands at more than $3 billion. That's a hundred times what it was just a decade ago.

"Romania has its own distinct strengthens in the field of production. Known as the European food stock it has strength in agriculture," Li said.

"China's investment in specific projects that can help the economic growth of this region are extremely important," said Ponta.

One of the firms represented was China's telecoms giant Huawei. Ten years ago, just a few people worked here. Now, there are more than 800 ... Romanian and Chinese engineers working together.

"Romania will become the center for the technical support for all of Europe, North Africa, and Middle East," said Hu Xiao at Huawei Romania.

Li was welcomed with great anticipation. It's been nearly twenty years since a Chinese premier visited Romania. They're here for the so-called China-CEE forum. The last meeting was held in July in China, and - officials say - laid the foundation for greater cooperation.

"We ask China to enter in the European Union by Romania, by this energetic hub in our part of Europe because we could grand success for China," said Ionel Blanculescu, economic adviser to Romanian PM.

This is Li's first visit to the region since taking office back in March. And on Tuesday, there'll be more than $10 billion worth of deals on the table -- everything from high-speed rail lines to nuclear power plants.

(CNTV.cn November 26, 2013)