Indian Vice president to visit Romania, Armenia, Belarus :: Charter'97 :: News

Vice President of India Bhairon Singh Shekhawat will go on a three-nation goodwill visit to Romania, Belarus and Armenia from Oct 1.

Romania has backed India`s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, saying it is a "natural contender" for the body.

India has welcomed Romania`s proposed accession to the European Union in 2007, which is likely to open new vistas for Indian businessmen in the region as Romania could become a bridgehead for Indian companies in central Europe.

Promoting travel and tourism has emerged as the new thrust area in India-Romania relations. There is considerable scope to expand bilateral trade that is currently estimated to be about $73 million.

Armenia, located in southwestern Asia, is keen on promoting economic ties with India following the signing two years ago of a pact by industry chambers of both countries to bolster trade.

India and Belarus, located in eastern Europe and part of the former Soviet Union, plan to expand and diversify trade and economic cooperation in fields like chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, IT, telecom and power.

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