site.btaDeputy Prime Minister Zaharieva Negotiates Comeback of Bulgarian Business to Ghana, Namibia, Uganda

Lome, Togo, May 31 (BTA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva held bilateral meetings in Lome, Togo, with the delegations of three African countries which expressed interest in attracting Bulgarian investments, her Ministry said.

The meetings were held within the 107th Session of the Joint Council of Ministers of the European Union and the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP). The forum was attended by delegations of the 28 EU Member States and the 79 ACP countries took place in Lome and was co-chaired by Zaharieva and Namibian Industrialization, Trade, and SME Development Minister Tjekero Tweya.

Zaharieva presented to all African partners business opportunities in Bulgaria, the favourable tax system and access to European markets.

"As a result of the long standing excellent relations between Ghana and Bulgaria many engineers, doctors and research workers finished their education in Bulgaria and contribute to the development of the Ghanaian economy and society," said Ghanaian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Charles Owiredu.

Robert Lindsay, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, said that the Ghanaian government holds the views that political relations should help businesses and that the country offers investment opportunities in processing of aluminum and steel processing and pharmaceuticals.

Zaharieva outlined the potential of Bulgarian businesses in these industries, highlighting the manufacture of processed foods, generic drugs, veterinary medicines and potential cooperation with the IT industry.

Bulgaria and Ghana established diplomatic relations in July 1961.

2017 saw an increase of Bulgarian exports by 8.82 per cent year-on-year to 11.1 million dollars, while imports from Ghana declined by 34.86 per cent to 24.1 million dollars.

Tjekero Tweya, Namibian Minister for Industrialization, Trade and SMEs Development, also noted the traditional relations between Bulgaria and his country.

Bulgaria and Namibia established diplomatic relations on June 6 1990.

Ugandan Minister for Finance, Matia Kasaija, said that Uganda maintains traditionally good relations with Bulgaria and Eastern European countries. He said his country wants to send a delegation to Bulgaria to boost business relations. He presented new legislation which facilitates businesses.

Uganda and Bulgaria established diplomatic relations on May 1964.