In 2008 Romania was the number one destination for the Moldovan exports, which rose by 60 percent. Imports from Romania also increased, by 40 percent, said Moldovan Economy & Trade Minister Igor Dodon at a news conference held on Thursday upon the completion of talks with the Romanian Minister for SME, Trade and Business Environment, Constantin Nita, Info-Prim Neo reports. “There have been launched a number of new projects. Among them, the construction of a power plant in Ungheni. We also discussed with Constantin Nita the opportunity of building a high-voltage power line between Ungheni and Iasi, which we consider vital for this project and which will interconnect the energy systems of our countries”, said Igor Dodon. Other areas or common interest include cooperation in quality infrastructure, bearing in mind Moldova's efforts to adjust its standards to the EU rules, as well as development of the bilateral trade, and conditions for opening a customs checkpoint at Lipcani-Radauti, said Dodon. “I wanted the destination for my first official visit to be Chisinau in order to show Romania's interest for Moldova. We want to be there for our neighbor, especially in situations of economic and financial crisis”, the Romanian Minister declared. Constantin Nita thinks more has to be done to promote Romanian companies on the Moldova market and vice versa. “I am satisfied with the principles of the established collaboration. In the coming days there will be created task forces to elaborate joint long-term projects, which will be later considered by the Intergovernmental Commission”, Nita revealed. Speaking about the possibility of opening a customs checkpoint at Lipcani-Radauti, Nita has told reporters that he hopes budget allocations will be made in this respect when Romania's Budget is discussed in two weeks.