Representatives of nine local companies and the University of Ulster's School of the Built Environment set off for an exhibition in Romania's capital, Bucharest, this week as part of an initiative by the export arm of the Industrial Development Board, Trade International, to generate business in former eastern bloc countries.

The companies will display their products and services on the Trade International stand at the Construct Expo exhibition in the city, which begins today and continues until May 13th. The products being promoted will include prefabricated accommodation from Newtownabbey company Greenline, diesel generators from McIntyre and Sons of Kilrea, and quarrying equipment from Dungannon firm Powerscreen International.

One firm taking part is Campbell Engineering and Design, from Newtownabbey, which designs modular systems for the construction of emergency accommodation, classrooms or medical units. Managing director Mr Bob Campbell hopes to meet Romanian firms which could manufacture individual components. He said: "We have already made a number of contacts in eastern Europe, and we're also in discussions with a company in Hungary."

Trade International executive Mr David McKeown said Romania was an emerging eastern European economy, and substantial investment from aid agencies and western companies was helping to rebuild the economy.

He added: "International corporations, such as Compaq, Hewlett Packard, and Solectron, are already setting up operations in Romania in order to supply that market, and neighbouring countries - there are significant opportunities for Northern Ireland companies to bid for business in reconstruction."