Romania's chief exports to Italy included leather footwear, cars, telephones, tobacco, men's suits, seats and iron pipes.

While Romania imports substantial quantities of grain, it is largely self-sufficient in other agricultural products and food stuffs.

[2] Foreign direct investment flow attracted by Romania in the first two months of 2008 reached €1.2 million, thus registering a 40% increase against January and February 2007.

In October 2005, new investment stimuli introduced more favorable conditions to IT and research centers, especially those located in eastern Romania (where unemployment is higher), planning to bring more added value without logistical demands.

[citation needed] The origin countries of FDI in Romania during 1996-2005 were split as follows:– the Netherlands 24.3%; Germany 19.4%, Austria 14.1%; Italy 7.5%.

[9] The sectors of FDI in Romania are split as follows:- industry 38.4%; banking and insurance 22.2%; wholesale and retail trade 13.1%; production of electricity, gas and water 10.5%; transportation and telecommunications 9.2%.

Foreign capital is attracted by skilled and relatively inexpensive labor, tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and a good telecommunications system.

Romania has strength in information technology and other significant areas such as auto components, chemicals, apparels, pharmaceuticals and jewelry.

[citation needed] The European Union provides €143 million in aid to Ford Motor Company plants in Romania.

Considered to be the largest Romanian electronics retailer, Altex [ro], planned to enter the Bulgarian market in 2008.