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Romanian computer science graduates are in high demand in the global marketplace

(CNN) -- For years, Romanian universities have succeeded in attracting bright, motivated students to their computer science programs, but the nation can't hold on to the graduates.

Romania broke free from Communism nine years ago, but it is still struggling to rebuild its economy.

Due to a lack of opportunity, and a shortage of computer talent in the West, many well-trained Romanians leave home for job opportunities elsewhere.

"A lot of young people, after they graduate, leave from Romania and they are hired in the U.S. with great chances," said Petre Alexanderescu, a computer software consultant for Renaissance Worldwide.

Talent and experience

Alexanderescu and another Romanian colleague were recently hired by Renaissance, a U.S.-based company which specializes in global information technology.

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"What we've found ... from the Romanians, is they are coming in very qualified in their talent and have the experience we're looking for," said Bernie Keelan, the Georgia area manager for Renaissance Worldwide. ( 102 K/8 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Vasile Zamfirescu had defected from Romania to find work. Zamfirescu now runs a company called Logimax, which makes customized computers, designs and implements networks, and develops software. He now splits his time between Romania and Canada.

Zamfirescu says Romania's economic troubles leads to "an exodus of brains, an exodus of programmers." ( 629 K/14 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

"Romanians are so good in programming, the schools that provide this training and the economy are not together capable of keeping this asset of the country here and help Romania create products here and perhaps sell them to the world," Zamfirescu said.

Logimax, a Romanian-based company, serves computer demands in Romania

Encouragement for Romanian investment

The Romanian government is trying to encourage its computer professionals to find work within Romania, and it is also encouraging international companies to do business in Romania.

A revamped tax structure is one incentive the government is hoping to offer. The nation's computer industry is currently heavily taxed. This fall, the Romanian Parliament will consider legislation to offer tax breaks to the industry.

Incentives for further investment in Romania's computer industry could help bolster the nation's economy.

Despite the current lack of opportunity, Romania maintains a higher rate of software professionals per thousand people than other nations, according to Florin Talpes, general manager of the Romanian-based Softwin.

Softwin contracts its software development services to companies in the United States and Western Europe.

Utilizing the pool of talent within Romania's borders, Softwin's goal is to be, within two years, one of the top five software services providers to the U.S. market, Talpes told CNN. ( 111 K/9 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)