If the Danube Bridge connecting Rousse and Giurgiu becomes toll free, this would significantly boost the export of Bulgarian goods to its northern neighbour, the Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRCCI) stated, as quoted by Dnevnik daily on March 9 2009.

In the worsening economic situation, Bulgarian exports have been reduced due to the devaluation of the Romanian leu and the effects of the International Monetary Fund on the country.

In 2008, the leu lost 15 per cent against the euro. It has now reached its lowest value since 2004. On January 22 2009 one euro was exchanged for 4.31 lei.

Bulgarian goods reach Romania by two major routes, Dnevnik daily said, quoting BRCCI director Emiliyan Enev. One is for a Bulgarian company to sell its products to the large trade chains in Romania by registering an office there. In this case the transactions are realised in lei and the deadline for most payments varies from 45 to 60 days. Such a long period, as well as having to operate with Romanian currency, are among the main reasons as to why Bulgarian firms are at a loss, Enev said.

The other way for doing business is when local firms sign a contract with a large Romanian company. But then all transactions are covered in euro. This proved to be unprofitable for the Romanians who retail the goods for lei and make deferred payments of up to 40 days.

Since the beginning of 2009, Bulgaria has lowered its Danube bridge fees by 25 per cent. The one-way charge for cars is 12 leva, lorries and buses pay 23 leva, and long-haul lorries pay 72 leva.