The Nokia factory in Jucu, Cluj county - Romania officialy opened on Monday in the presence of various Finnish companies and local authorities. The Nokia production would target Middle Eastern and African markets mainly, Nokia officials say. Nokia Senior Vice President Juha Putkiranta said that Romanian workers at the Nokia plant receive an attractive salary package and hot meals, but refused to comment on other production details.

Local authorities say that Romanians working at Nokia receive a salary package between 200 and 300 euro, as compared to a starting salary of about 1500 euro in Western countries.

Putkiranta said that Nokia's factory in Romania will produce, among other models, Nokia 1200 destined for the Middle East and Africa.

Nokia officials argue that the Romanian factory will set up the necessary software on the models produced.

Workers in the factory are contractually obliged not to reveal information about work at the company. However, conditions are very good since officials plan to built football and basketball fields for worker's free time.

Company officials said the Jucu factory now employs 350 people and the number would grow to 3500 by the end of the year.