by Chen Jin
DEVA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese bicycle maker has marked its 20th anniversary of its founding in Romania and expressed the hope to contribute to deeper and wider trade and economy cooperation between China and Romania.
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of bicycle manufacturer Eurosport DHS S.A., the General Manager of the company, Yang Qian, told Xinhua on Friday that "our 20-year investment history in Romania has come to a successful conclusion as we decide to hand over to the young generations all the achievements, all the strengths and the employees who have worked hard with us over the years."
Yang hoped that the young team will create greater glory and push economic and trade cooperation between China and Romania, as well as between China and Europe, to a new level.
A grand celebration of the 20th anniversary of DHS (abbreviation for DongHui Sports) was held on Thursday evening in a suburb of Deva, the capital of Hunedoara County in western Romania. Participants included representatives of parts suppliers from China, partners from many European countries, as well as local officials and diplomats from the Chinese Embassy.
"The success story of the Chinese-funded enterprise DHS in Romania firstly reflects the mutually beneficial and win-win nature of China-Romania economic and trade cooperation, and secondly confirms the great potential of cooperation between the two countries," Zhao Linxiang, economic and commercial counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Romania, said.
Fabius Kiszely, prefect of Hunedoara, said that DHS, the largest bicycle manufacturer in the country, not only promoted the development of the local economy, but also made important contributions to deepening friendship between the two countries. He greatly appreciated the company's corporate culture and management, believing that DHS's successful management has opened the door for the locals to understand China better.
Deva Mayor Florin Oancea said that DHS is the first and largest foreign-invested company in the region. It has been winning high praise from the local community over the years, as it not only contributes to employment and local economic development, but also actively supports vocational education, culture and social welfare.
According to him, DHS has set a benchmark for investment cooperation between the two countries. "Romania has a superior geographical position, a good industrial base and a high quality of labor, while Chinese companies have capital and technological advantages," said Zhao, expressing the hope that more and more Chinese companies will come to Romania to invest in the future.
DHS founder Niu Guanghui and his wife Yang Qiang, outgoing general manager, were very impressed with DHS's 20 years of growth in Romania. "I spent 24 years in Romania, having dedicated the best years of my life to this land," Niu said, expressing the hope that this bicycle production base will continue to be a place for enhancing friendship between the two countries, letting the friendly relationship advance from generation to generation.
The bicycles produced by DHS are widely known in Romania, and are currently exported to more than 20 countries in the European Union. Germany and the Netherlands are the main markets. DHS is also one of the largest producers of electric bicycles in Europe, with a recent annual output of 250,000 units.
